Longhorns Set to Open Conference Play Against No. 14 Red Raiders
The Texas Longhorns needed a confidence boost in the worst way prior to conference play, and it is safe to say they got one in the form of a 14-game home stand.
Through 11 games of the 14-game home stand the Longhorns have looked like an entirely different team from the one who sat at 4-7 after a disappointing series loss to Cal State Fullerton.
After returning home, Texas has reeled off 11 straight wins to improve its record to 15-7 and an even more impressive 14-2 at Disch-Falk Field. Of course, the competition on this home stand hasn't been the stiffest but 11 straight wins is still nothing to scoff at.
Now, though, they are set to face one of their toughest tests yet in the young season - with the No. 14 Texas Tech Red Raiders coming to town to kick off conference play and wrap up the 14-game home stand.
The Red Raiders have consistently been one of the best teams in the Big 12 over the last decade with no signs of that stopping this season. While one series won't define Texas' season, this series against Texas Tech will serve as a quality litmus test moving forward.
How to watch/listen:
Game 1: Friday at 7 p.m. CT (Longhorn Network/TexasSports.com/audio)
Game 2: Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT (Longhorn Network/TexasSports.com/audio)
Game 3: Sunday at 2:30 p.m. CT (Longhorn Network/TexasSports.com/audio)
A look at Texas Tech's season so far
The Red Raiders have been one of college baseball's best teams to start the season, putting together an impressive 9-0 start. After a rocky 1-2 showing in the Shriners Children's College Classic in Houston, the Red Raiders have responded with a 9-2 stretch that has put the college baseball world on notice - and cemented them as College World Series contenders.
Texas Tech by the numbers
Record: 18-4
Runs scored: 223
Runs allowed: 112
Team Avg.: .325
Team ERA: 3.64
Texas Tech wins this series if...
Their bats stay red hot and knock around the Longhorns pitching staff. Yes, the Longhorns pitchers have shut down some elite lineups this season but the Red Raiders are a different beast.
After all, averaging 10 runs a game is hard to do. It could be hard for the Texas offense to keep up with that level of production, which means it will need the pitching to put together a strong showing otherwise the Red Raiders could cruise through the weekend.
Texas wins this series if...
Much like the Red Raiders, the Longhorns can win this series if their offense can stay hot. Through the first 11 games of the home stand the Longhorns are averaging 10 runs per game and have scored seven runs or more in 10 out of 11 games.
While the Red Raiders pitching staff is better than anyone Texas has faced on the home stand so far, the Longhorns will need their offense to continue rolling if they want to pull off the upset.
You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98
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