« Game day photos | Main | Game 44: UT-Pan American at Texas »

Monday - April 24, 2006

Game 43: Nebraska at Texas

Texas was shut out 0-6 at San Diego in their second game of the year. It happened again today. This time the loss came at home to Nebraska. The main difference in the game seemed to be on the mound. Johnny Dorn pitched a great game for the Huskers. He had some help in the field but, for the most part, the pitching just did the Texas batters in. Texas only got one baserunner on through the first 5 innings. Dorn threw a very low 54 pitches in that span. In the 6th, behind by 6, Texas mounted their first real threat of the day. Preston Clark (who was the only player with any real success at the plate today, going 3-for-3) reached on a high pop single to shallow rf. The ball fell between the first and second basemen. Preston, trying to make something happen, made a play for 2b. But, the first baseman quickly retrieved the ball and threw to the ss at 2b for a quick out. Clay Van Hook then grounded out to 2b for the 2nd out. Drew Stubbs came up and doubled to cf. Nick Peoples (who struck out in his first two at-bats) walked on 6 pitches. The runners successfully completed a double steal on the first pitch to Carson Kainer. Alas, Carson grounded out to 1b to end the threat. In the 8th Texas mounted their second threat. Preston singled again and advanced to 2b on a passed ball. Clay walked on 7 pitches. Nebraska finally replaced Dorn at this point. Bird came in and struck Drew out. Texas announced Kyle Russell as a pinch hitter and Nebraska then turned to Herr. So, Texas sent Brett Lewis in to pinch hit. Herr picked Clay off at 1b. He caught Clay napping. Clay didn't expect Herr to be throwing to 1b since Drew was at 2b and he was not in a typical steal situation. There goes that whole "mental thing" rearing its ugly head again. Brett Lewis then grounded out to 2b. So much for the rally.

On the defensive side of things, Texas gave up a run in the first and another in the second. Remember the mental thing? With a runner at 1b and one out in the 3rd, Nebraska decided to bunt. Adrian Alaniz made a nice jump and got to the ball fairly quickly. But, he bobbled it slightly. If he'd fielded cleanly, he would've had a perfect double play ball. But, he didn't. He threw to 2b anyway rather than to 1b for the sure out. He actually still had a slim chance of getting the lead runner but he threw to Bradley Suttle who was off the bag rather than Chais Fuller who was on the bag. Texas got out of the inning without giving up a run. But...just barely. And, only thanks to a great running catch by Drew in cf. After struggling in the first three innings, Adrian settled down and had two very nice "3-up, 3-down" innings. Sadly, in the 6th, he gave up two quick singles. Nebraska then sac bunted the runners over. So, Texas did my (sarcasm alert) favorite thing. They intentionally walked the bases full. The number 9 batter in the Nebraska line-up then doubled down the lf line to clear the bases.

The officiating stunk up the place again. But, realistically, the Horns just didn't seem to have their heads in the game. They let the bizarre strike zone get to them. It was yet another ugly game. Texas has been lucky to win quite of few of those throughout the year. But, not today. I'm suddenly a little nervous about the Aggie games in College Station next week. I hope the team figures things out. I do remember having doubts at this point last year. Maybe this year's team will also find their center and win when it matters down the line. By the way, they're now in 2nd place in the Big 12 (behind Nebraska). OU is in 3rd. And, the rest of the teams are well back of the top 3. For the moment.

Hook 'em!

Posted by Joanna at 12:05 AM