Texas Baseball: Longhorns Look to Continue Momentum Against Tarleton State
Fresh off a thrilling SEC series victory against Ole Miss, the No. 2 Texas baseball team is eager to maintain its winning streak. The Longhorns demonstrated their dominance with a pair of decisive wins after a tough opener, solidifying their position as one of the nation’s top teams. Now, they’ll face Tarleton State in a midweek clash at the iconic UFCU Disch-Falk Field.
Match Details
- Who: No. 2 Texas Longhorns vs. Tarleton State Texans
- What: Fifth midweek game for Texas, fourth for Tarleton State
- When: Tuesday, March 17, at 6:30 PM CT
- Where: UFCU Disch-Falk Field (Austin, Texas)
- TV/Streaming: SEC Network+
- Radio: The Zone AM-1300
- Radio Announcers: Craig Way (Play-by-play), Roger Wallace (Color Analyst)
Looking Back: 2024 Season Highlights
Last season, the Longhorns achieved their best record since 2010, finishing with an impressive 44-14 record in their inaugural season in the Southeastern Conference. Despite a strong showing, they faced an early exit in their regional tournament against UTSA. Tarleton State concluded the 2024 season with a 27-31 record, placing them in the middle of the Sun Belt Conference standings. Tarleton State finished 24-32 and exited in the opening round of the Western Athletic Conference tournament after falling to the UT Arlington Mavericks.
Series History
Texas holds a commanding 4-0 lead in the all-time series against Tarleton State, with all previous matchups taking place in Austin. This Tuesday’s game marks the first encounter between the two programs in nearly three decades.
Coaching Spotlight
- Jim Schlossnagle (Texas): Entering his second season at Texas, Schlossnagle brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. With over 1,000 career wins, he’s one of the most respected coaches in college baseball, aiming to lead the Longhorns back to the College World Series.
- Fuller Smith (Tarleton State): Smith is in his third year as head coach of Tarleton State, having guided the Texans to a WAC Tournament championship in his first season. His coaching background includes a decade as an assistant at Sam Houston, UT Arlington, and Ole Miss, where he helped develop numerous All-Americans and MLB Draft picks.
Tarleton State: A Formidable Opponent
Don’t underestimate Tarleton State! They’ve already demonstrated their ability to compete with top-tier teams, narrowly losing 3-1 to No. 7 Arkansas earlier this season. They also boast a perfect 4-0 record on the road, highlighted by a dominant sweep at New Mexico. The Texans recently secured a signature win, defeating Baylor 6-5 for their first Power Four victory at home.
Players to Watch
Tarleton State’s offense is led by Rayner Heinrich, who is currently on a 14-game hitting streak and has reached base safely in 15 consecutive games. Slade McCloud also brings consistent hitting, with hits in 10 straight contests. On the mound, the Texans are expected to start right-hander Brendon Carter.
How to Tune In
Don’t miss the action! Catch the Texas Longhorns as they take on the Tarleton State Texans on SEC Network+, The Zone AM-1300, or follow live updates on social media.
Source: Sports Illustrated
