Longhorns Drop Big 12 Tournament Opener to Jayhawks
The Texas Longhorns entered the Big 12 Tournament with all the momentum in the world on their side. They had won five straight games to end the regular season, including a sweep of the West Virginia Mountaineers to clinch a share of the conference title.
As the No. 1 overall seed, expectations were high ahead of their game against the No. 8 seed Kansas Jayhawks - a team who they beat in their series already. A win would get them off on the right foot to start postseason play and potentially help them creep closer to a regional host bid.
Then, the game happened, and the Longhorns did not look like they were the top team in the tournament. Rather, they did not look remotely prepared for the bright lights.
Of course, this isn't the first time the Longhorns have struggled against Kansas. After all they dropped the series open in the regular season in an extremely similar manner to Wednesday's game.
First, usually reliable staff ace Lucas Gordon once again was off his game on the mound. He lasted only five innings giving up two runs on seven hits and a walk. On paper that isn't a bad start, but the bats were ice cold.
Despite all of that, though, they entered the seventh inning tied at 2-2 with the momentum finally seemingly turning their way. That didn't last long, though, as disaster struck in the seventh.
After an efficient inning in the sixth from Travis Sthele out of the bullpen, he loaded the bases in the seventh. From there, he gave up a go-ahead grand slam to give the Jayhawks a 6-2 lead - a lead the Longhorns couldn't overcome, falling 6-3 to open the Big 12 Tournament.
What's next for Texas?
The Longhorns are right back in action on Thursday morning, facing the Kansas State Wildcats at 9 a.m. CT in an elimination game.
You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98
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