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Sunday - February 11, 2007

Game 7: Texas at Long Beach State

Texas pulled it off today and came away with a 2-1 win over Long Beach State. Adrian Alaniz started, went 3 shut-out innings, and got the win (he was announced as the pitcher of record before the start of the game so did not have to go 5 innings to get the win). James Russell pitched the next three and kept the home team scoreless. Joseph Krebs pitched the 7th and 8th innings. He allowed a lead-off home run in the 7th but then settled down and kept the Dirtbags scoreless after that. Randy Boone pitched the 9th for his first save of the year. He did allow a 1-out single but the runner was stranded at 2b. The pitchers really turned things around today with regard to walks and hit batters. James walked one, Joseph walked one, and nobody hit any batters.

The Horns scored single runs in the 2nd and 4th. Chance Wheeless started the 2nd off wth a triple down the rf line and was eventually brought home on a fielder's choice (6-4) by Travis Tucker. In the 4th, Kyle Russell doubled to rf, advanced to 3b on a ground out by Chais Fuller (getting his second start of the year), and scored on a single by Travis. So Travis, hitting in the number 9 spot in the order, got credit for both of the runs batted in today. He also made a great defensive play in the 6th to put a damper on a rally the Dirtbags had going. With runners at 1b and 2b, he fielded a hard-hit ball behind 2b that was on its way into the outfield and tossed the ball to Chais covering 2b to get the 2nd out of the inning. The play held the runner from 2b at 3b and kept him from scoring. The next batter grounded out to 3b to end the threat.

Coach Garrido's post-game comments (as best I can remember them):

• He's sticking with his evaluation of the kind of character and talent on the team. They took a lot away from the first 2 difficult losses and applied it to the learning process.
• They have to find out who's the toughest in the pitching corps...they need to get a little more Longhorn (toughness) in 'em.
• Joking with Keith: Winning feels better than the alternative.

They also spoke briefly with Randy Boone who said he's trying to figure out the best way to help his team. Hopefully this is it. He said he can pitch a little more emotionally in this role than if he starts.

I didn't sit at my computer today. Instead, I listened to the game while I cooked up a pot of soup. It was a much more relaxing afternoon for me. I may try it again next time they're out of town.

Hook 'em!

Posted by Joanna at 6:46 PM