Texas Baseball Rebounds with Run-Rule Victory Over Ole Miss

The Texas Longhorns baseball team delivered a resounding response to their season-opening disappointment, securing a 10-0 run-rule victory over Ole Miss on Saturday night at the Shriners Children's College Showdown. This dominant performance at Globe Life Field not only showcased the team’s resilience but also marked the first win for new head coach Jim Schlossnagle.

A Statement Win After a Tough Loss

Following a frustrating 4-3 defeat against Louisville in their season opener, the Longhorns took the field with renewed focus and determination. Their offensive explosion in the fourth inning, where they plated seven runs, set the tone for a game that ended via mercy rule in the seventh inning. Ethan Mendoza's RBI single sealed the victory, triggering the showcase's run-rule guidelines and sending Texas fans home with smiles on their faces.

Coach Schlossnagle, while acknowledging the significance of the win, remained grounded about the team's broader goals. "I know everybody's made a whole lot of the Texas thing, but I'm past that," Schlossnagle said. "This is not about a coach; it's about our players getting the chance to get their season off to a positive start."

Offensive Firepower and Balanced Contributions

The offensive effort was a true team display, with eight of the nine starters registering hits and six players driving in runs. Max Belyeu, the reigning Big 12 Player of the Year, contributed with his first home run of the season, adding to the Longhorns' offensive onslaught.

The pivotal fourth inning saw the Longhorns capitalize on Ole Miss's pitching struggles, stringing together timely hits and aggressive baserunning to put the game out of reach. Mendoza's decisive single in the seventh capped off an evening of relentless offensive pressure.

Harrison's Commanding Performance

While the offense flourished, the star of the night was undoubtedly left-handed pitcher Luke Harrison. The fourth-year senior turned in a career-best performance, throwing 6 1/3 shutout innings, allowing just two hits, one walk, and striking out six batters. Harrison's outing was notable not only for its dominance but also because it represented a breakthrough moment for a pitcher who has battled adversity throughout his college career.

Harrison, who missed the 2023 season due to Tommy John surgery and had primarily been used as a reliever in previous seasons, demonstrated exceptional command and poise. Reflecting on his performance, Harrison credited his success to his ability to consistently find the strike zone.

"The strikes," Harrison said when asked what worked best for him. "My fastball and cutter were effective tonight, and I was able to mix in some good sliders and change-ups."

This performance marked Harrison's longest collegiate outing, surpassing his previous high of three innings and 45 pitches in a 2022 appearance against Alabama. Against Ole Miss, Harrison threw 71 pitches with remarkable efficiency, showcasing the fruits of his offseason work with pitching coach Max Weiner.

The Journey to Success

Harrison's journey to this point has been marked by perseverance and adaptability. Since joining Texas in 2022, he has worked with four different pitching coaches, an experience that has undoubtedly tested his resilience. Yet, his ability to adapt and learn from each of those coaches has shaped him into the pitcher who took the mound on Saturday night.

"It's been a long journey. Long time coming, for sure," Harrison reflected. "I've wanted this moment for a long time, and it doesn't always happen. It's made me more resilient. It's made me a better person, better teammate. It's all part of the journey."

Coach Schlossnagle emphasized that the coaching staff had full confidence in Harrison's ability to handle an extended workload. "His past leading up to this year doesn't bother me," Schlossnagle said. "He's been healthy, and he did it in practice. We were confident he was able to do it."

Looking Ahead

The Longhorns' win over Ole Miss was not just a rebound performance; it was a statement of the team's potential under their new leadership. With a balanced offensive attack and a promising pitching staff, Texas demonstrated the depth and talent that earned them a No. 13 preseason ranking.

Texas will close out their weekend at the Shriners Children's College Showdown with a matchup against Oklahoma State on Sunday evening. Left-handed transfer Kade Bing, who joined the team from McLennan College, is slated to start on the mound.

As the Longhorns continue their early-season journey, their dominant win over Ole Miss serves as a reminder of the team's potential to compete at the highest level. With a resilient mindset, dynamic offense, and emerging pitching talent, Texas has laid a solid foundation for the 2024 season.