'Horns Snap 'Cats Winning Streak at 12

The Texas State Bobcats rolled into Austin to take on the eighth seeded Texas Longhorns at UFCU Disch-Falk field on Tuesday night. With the Bobcats sporting a 12 game win streak coming into the game, and the Longhorns reeling after an 0-3-1 week, losing a weekend series to Kansas St, the 'Cats were sure for a tough game. The game was off to a quick start for both teams, but the Bobcats lost their fuel quickly while the Longhorns looked exceptional at the plate, taking the game 12-2 in 9 innings.

The Bobcats got off to a quick start as they scored the first run in the top of the first after freshman Tyler Sibley was hit by a pitch and later scored on a Keith Prestridge RBI single. The lead was short lived as the Longhorns retaliated right back in the bottom of the inning when first baseman Brandon Belt belted a two-run homerun off of Bobcat starter Garret Carruth.

The scoring came again quickly for the Bobcats when in the top of the second inning Ben Theriot walked and later scored on a Tyler Sibley base hit that tied the game at 2 a piece. That would turn out to be the end of the scoring for the Bobcats as they ran into the most dominating pitching staff they've faced this year.

The bottom of the second saw the Horns score 2 more runs on singles by Kevin Lusson, who ended the night 4-4 with 5 runs scored, and Brandon Loy, both scoring on the single from Connor Rowe. The 'Horns offense continued to sparkle in the fourth, scoring a run and 2 more in the sixth and seventh innings. All of these runs came off of timely hitting by the Longhorns.

The Bobcats weren't able to get anything going against the tough Longhorn rotation that was comprised of Brandon Workman, Stayton Thomas, and Andrew McKinrihan. The Bobcats, which were sporting one of the best offensive résumés in the nation, were completely shut down tonight as the Longhorns gave up only two runs on six hits.

The Bobcats pitching staff on the other hand struggled with the Texas lineup, giving up the 12 runs on 15 hits. Carruth got into early trouble and was not able to shake the dust. The Bobcats totaled eight pitchers on the night with Michael Russo and Tyler Brundridge seeing work in the outing.

The win streak snapped at 12 games will start anew as the Bobcats are back in action this Friday against the I-35 rival UTSA Roadrunners. The first game of the series will be in San Marcos, while the rest of the series will be played in San Antonio. First pitch is set for Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Bobcat Field. You can tune into all the action live on 89.9 KTSW.

Will McGinnis- KTSW Sports Staff Writer