Lights shine too bright for Texas as Stanford advances to CWS

After losing the first game of their Super Regional due to an untimely error in the ninth, the Stanford Cardinal had to win two straight to not only keep their season alive but to advance to the College World Series.

The Cardinal received a masterclass pitching performance from ace Quinn Mathews on Sunday after he struck out 16 and totaled 156 pitches en route to a c omplete game victory. Monday night it came down to a committee of pitchers for both squads, as Texas' Tanner Whitt was pulled after one inning forcing reliever Zane Morehouse to throw a rare six innings of relief.

For Stanford, they only got 3 2/3 innings from starter Nick Dugan, pulling him after he gave up three runs to Texas which tied the game at 3-3. They then turned to Brandt Pancer who gave them two innings, hard throwing lefty Ryan Bruno only got one batter which he walked, Drew Dowd went a whole inning and one out of the next, Matt Scott gave them one inning, and lastly it was Joey Dixon to seal the deal.

Innings five through seven were scoreless for both teams, but a three-run eighth inning for Texas tied the game at six. For Stanford the eighth inning was pure chaos, and quite frankly looked like the momentum was swinging in the opposite direction. After a Saborn Campbell walk, Temo Beccera attempted to move him over with a bunt but ended up running into the ball on his way to first for an out. Campbell, having gone back to first because of the batter's interference, was almost thrown out rounding second after Eddie Park hit a weak ground ball to right field.

The play had to be reviewed, but Campbell far too wide of a turn and got lucky the Texas infielder missed the initial tag opportunity. Tommy Troy was the next batter, and hit a deep fly ball to right field, which Dylan Campbell caught. He then proceeded to throw the ball from right field to third base on a rope to get the double play, throwing out a tagging Campbell.

Dixon was able to silence the Texas bats in the ninth inning, setting up Stanford to just need one run to win the game and advance to Omaha. After Carter Graham flew out and Braden Montgomery struck out, up came Pac-12 Player of the Year, Alberto Rios. With the game on the line, Rios launched the 2-2 pitch to left field, the stadium erupted, the Stanford dugout began to run onto the field while Rios launched his helmet into the air. The only issue? The ball bounced off the wall, meaning Rios in fact didn't hit the walk-off home run.

Alberto Rios thought he walked it off... almost got thrown out https://t.co/rOAE7SdTXc
— Inside The Stanford Cardinal (@InsideStanford) June 13, 2023

Luckily for Rios he was safe at second, but the pure confusion in his face indicated that he had no idea what happened. Freshman catcher Malcolm Moore ended up walking, putting runners on first and second for Drew Bowser, who homered earlier in the game. What happened next was arguably one of the most bizarre endings in baseball.

With a 1-1 count, Bowser just got under a hanging breaking ball sending the ball flying into the air. The trajectory of the ball looked like it was going to be a routine out in the outfield, as Texas ace Lucas Gordon began confidently walking off the field. However, there seemed to be a ton of confusion right away. ESPN's camera person didn't know where the ball went because neither the Texas center fielder or right fielder were moving in a manner that looked as if they knew the ball was coming.

Well, turns out neither of them could see it as the Texas' shortstop was sprinting into right field trying to point it out to Dylan Campbell who is one of the best right fielders in college baseball. Unfortunately for Texas, it was far too late. The ball dropped between the two outfielders, and unlike on the Rios double, Stanford actually walked it off this time. The lights blinding the two of them was the difference.

This is how Stanford gets to Omaha and how Texas' season ends. A tough way to end what was a great game. https://t.co/gZqoYmszwY
— Inside The Stanford Cardinal (@InsideStanford) June 13, 2023

Truly a tough ending to what had been such a great series, but for Stanford they not only clinched their third straight trip to the College World Series, but they also clinched the Director's Cup Championship over Texas. The Cardinal are set to take on No. 1 seed Wake Forest on Saturday June 17.

Joining Stanford and Wake Forest in their bracket are LSU and Florida, which happened to be two of the best teams in the SEC. It will be quiet the gauntlet for the Cardinal, but for now, they celebrate.