An idea that was planted in Texas head coach David Pierce’s head in the fall to honor his ultra-utility man came to fruition on Tuesday, as senior Jake McKenzie played all nine positions in a single game.
Augie Garrido never pretended to be a Texan. In fact, he never pretended to be anything other than what he was, which was many things that at first glance did not seem to be Texan at all.
His voice was certainly not anything like his predecessor, Cliff Gustafson, who might be the very definition of “Texan.” He drank wine and talked about psychology and hung out with Kevin Costner.
Texas coaches and players have consistently said throughout the year the difficult non-conference schedule that included hosting Stanford and trips to LSU, Arkansas and Texas A&M were in order to prepare the team for postseason environments against postseason-caliber opponents.
The Longhorns showed signs of improvement in that regard as the season progressed but they own a 1-5 record against those teams in addition to a disappointing conference series loss in Manhattan against Kansas State.
COLLEGE STATION – In an exciting rivalry game, Texas got down early, clawed it’s way back, got down again, clawed back once more, but ultimately could not break through and grab the lead from the No. 19 Texas A&M Aggies. Head coach David Pierce said after the game he tried to treat this Tuesday like any other Tuesday. However, both he and junior second baseman Kody Clemens admitted they knew a little bit more was at stake with this one.
Texas fans still get the opportunity to watch the Longhorns take on their two biggest rivals every year on the baseball diamond. In 2018, it’s happening in the span of six days.
On a night honoring him with a commemorative T-Shirt alluding to the Tony Award winning play bearing his last name, Texas shortstop David Hamilton’s performance at the end of the third act (of nine) served as the emotional turning point for the rest of the Longhorns’ game against Baylor.
Even after three conference series, Texas head coach David Pierce continues to tinker with the lineup. The infield is mostly set, with Ryan Reynolds, David Hamilton (when healthy), and Kody Clemens locking down the third base, short stop, and second base spots. The first base and the outfield have varied.
After dropping game one Friday, Texas came back Saturday thanks to the performance from junior Nolan Kingham. After going down 3-1 early Sunday, Texas came back once again.
Each time Texas head coach David Pierce walks to the mound to call in a reliever, it’s a search for a solution from the right field bullpen.
After losing five straight games, Texas has almost gotten all those games back.
A 3-2 win over No. 25 Sam Houston State on Tuesday was a one that continued the much needed winning streak for the Longhorns. After trailing 1-0 early, Texas worked their way back into the game and took the lead in the fourth. The Longhorns held the lead after a three pitcher relief effort, with Matteo Bocchi earning the win and Nolan Kingham earning his second save.