No. 16 Texas Prepares to Host Cal Poly For Weekend Series
The Texas Longhorns (3-1) are riding high coming off the demolition of the Houston Christian Huskies in their midweek contest on Tuesday. How bad are we talking? Well, the Longhorns put up 20 runs and 24 hits, coming one hit short of tying the program all-time single game record.
Yes, it is worth noting the competition was not the stiffest they will face this season. Still, 20 runs is 20 runs. Now the Longhorns turn their attention forward for their second weekend series of this young season as they are set to welcome the Cal Poly Mustangs (2-2) to town.
How to watch/listen:
Game 1: Friday at 6:30 p.m. CT (Longhorn Network/TexasSports.com/Audio)
Game 2: Saturday at 1:30 p.m. CT (Longhorn Network/TexasSports.com/Audio)
Game 3: Sunday at 1:00 p.m. CT (Longhorn Network/TexasSports.com/Audio)
Cal Poly by the numbers:
Record: 2-2
Runs scored: 17
Runs allowed: 21
Team Avg.: .226
Team ERA: 4.50
Cal Poly wins this series if...
It can get to Texas' Saturday and Sunday starters early. As seen against in their series against San Diego, the Longhorns have a reliable staff ace in Lebarron Johnson Jr. with potential question marks following him in the rotation. Of course, it was only their first series, but something worth monitoring.
Yes, the Longhorns' bullpen has been solid in their first four games. However, if Charlie Hurley on Saturday and possibly Tanner Witt on Sunday can't lock it down, well, it could be a taxing series for the pitching staff.
Texas wins this series if...
The bottom half of the lineup can show up consistently. Listen, we know what the duo of Jared Thomas and Peyton Powell are going to do. See pitches, mash the ball and get on base. Through the Texas' first four games they have combined for a .515 average, while Powell has two home runs and 10 RBIs.
Beyond that, though, the lineup has struggled to show consistency. Guys like Jalin Flores and Porter Brown have shown flashes of their potential but have yet to string together consistent success. If they can get going against the Mustangs then it could be a strong weekend for the Longhorns.