AUSTIN, Texas — Texas needed to win this game in order to have a chance at being a Big 12 regular season co-champion along with West Virginia.
Lucas Gordon pitched an outstanding game going seven innings, faced 27 West Virginia batters, threw 95 pitches (64 strikes), struck out eight and allowed no runs and only four hits. Gordon’s new ERA is 2.48 and now ranks #1 in the Big 12.
At the plate Porter Brown went 4-5 and sent the ball over the fence three times. Once to right, center, then left into the West Virginia bullpen. Brown credited his Ronald Reagan HS coach Rodney Chapman for making the team practice hitting to all parts of the park. Brown had eight RBI on the night.
Dylan Campbell continued his hitting streak to 31 games with the sweetest most perfect bunt in the first inning on the first pitch. The bunt rolled directly to the shortstop, but was not there because he was trying to keep Jared Thomas close on second base. Campbell’s bunt loaded the bases for Texas and gave way to Porter Brown hitting a single to score Jared Thomas on third.
Campbell went 3-4 on the night with a home run at his last at bat in the bottom of the eight.
Peyton Powell stepped up to the plate four times and produced two hits, two RBI, and two runs.
Interesting to note that 70% of the Texas lineup scored. Jack O’Dowd, Jalin Flores, and Garret Guillemette did not have any hits; however they all crossed the plate with a run.
O’Dowd walked in the second inning and was sent home along with Flores who also walked when Peyton Powell singled to right field. These were the first-two runs of a five-run inning by Texas.
With Powell on first, Dylan Campbell reached first when he swung and hit the ball that turned into a blooper to second, however along with the ball came the catcher's glove. As Campbell was swinging, the West Virginia catcher extended too far and interfered with the play, so Campbell was awarded first base.
This setup another perfect scenario for ‘Mr. Downtown’ Porter Brown who knocked the ball 421’ over the fence in right field.
A fan spotted where Brown's home run ball landed.
Guillemette was hit by a pitch in the sixth inning, then made it to second on a passed ball. Porter Brown sent him home on his home run to left that landed in the West Virginia bullpen. O’Dowd walked in the second inning and was sent home along with Flores who also walked when Peyton Powell singled to right field.
During the post game interviews we spoke with Gordon, Brown, and coach Pierce.
Game two in the series is May 19 at 6:30 pm again at Disch-Falk field. Can Texas keep their competitive edge and stay alive in the Big 12 rankings? Nothing better than a Friday night baseball game. Should be an excellent evening.
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