The Texas Longhorns are returning to Omaha for the College World Series for the 34th time. This time it is at the new TD Ameritrade Park. But they almost didn’t get here.
Texas wins against Arizona State (Deborah Cannon/American-Statesman)
Texas defeated Arizona State in the super regional last weekend after losing the first game of the series and winning the next two. And it was all because of their strong pitching staff. Greats like Greg Swindell and Huston Street have come out of Texas and graced the mound in the College World Series of the past.
The Longhorns now face Florida at 6 p.m. on Saturday evening looking to advance to make history and to take home another CWS title. If Texas does win the College World Series, they can be the first team to claim titles at both Rosenblatt Stadium and TD Ameritrade Park.
Although Texas is a staple in the College World Series, you may not know much about this year’s team. So to help us get more information about the Longhorns, we turn to Mark Rosner of the Austin-American Statesman. Although he has only covered Texas baseball for a short time, he gives us a good idea about what the Longhorns bring to Omaha this season.
White & Blue Review: Texas has had a long history in college baseball. What has made them so tough this season and to come back from behind in the Super Regional to get to Omaha? Were they motivated by just missing out last season?
Mark Rosner: They were motivated by watching TCU celebrate on their field. But the real answer is pitching. They just don’t give up a lot of runs, so they usually have a chance. Something else that other coaches have said: Texas is pretty opportunistic on offense. I recall a few innings recently when the Longhorns scored without a hit. I’m sure Augie was excited by that.
WBR: Augie Garrido is one of the personalities of college baseball. What does he bring to the Texas program that other coaches do not?
MR: He’s not corporate, like some at Texas. He tends to say what’s on his mind, even if it doesn’t always make him look perfect. We find that refreshing.
WBR: In the short time since you have started covering Texas baseball, what has impressed you the most about the team?
MR: I knew about the starting pitching, but the bullpen has been terrific. Two hits, no walks, in the last five innings against Arizona State Sunday. I’m amazed at how well they bunt, a strategy that some ridicule.
WBR: Who will opponents need to look out for in the lineup?
MR: Tant Shepherd has hit the ball well after a slow start, and he has improved since moving from the No. 3 spot to leadoff before the tournament. Kevin Lusson had a power surge in the regionals after a tough season. Erich Weiss almost always hits the ball hard.
WBR: What is the Texas pitching like? How deep is the starting and relief pitching?
MR: Well, everyone knows about (Taylor) Jungmann and (Cole) Green at the top. (Sam) Stafford, the No. 3 guy, was a second round pick of the Yankees this year. (Hoby) Milner was in the rotation for a while and now works as a good left setup guy. (Kendal) Carrillo has been hot, and (Corey) Knebel tied the school record with 19 saves.
WBR: What is the style of play? Are they an aggressive team that likes to steal bases or try for home runs?
MR: Home runs, that’s a good one. Ha. They have 17, a source of humor for Garrido, who often cites individuals on other teams that have more homers than the Longhorns combined. They walk, they hit singles, they lead the nation in sacrifice bunts. Sometimes they beat those bunts out for hits.
WBR: Who do you think has the best shot to win the College World Series. How deep do you see Texas going?
MR: I have not studied the field, but my colleague Kevin (Bucking the Line) Lyttle has. He likes North Carolina’s balance. As for Texas, that pitching depth gives the Longhorns a chance.