Texas Longhorns shortstop Adrian Rodriguez is almost single-handedly keeping UT in Omaha for the College World Series. The Horns lost to Georgia in the opening game of the tournament. But Rodriquez had two of the four UT hits.
In Monday’s elimination game, the sophomore became just the third player in CWS history to hit for the cycle and tied the CWS RBI record with seven as UT survived elimination by thumping SEC rival Alabama 14-2.
Rodriguez was the hottest Texas hitter in the Super Regionals as well, with a team high seven RBIs against the Oregon Ducks in the two-game sweep.
In seven postseason games, Rodriguez has seven straight multi-hit games, going 5-for-5 with seven RBIs and a cycle against the Crimson Tide at Charles Schwab Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska. The Flower Mound product needed a change in a scoring decision to turn a double into a triple to complete the cycle.
Texas will need a good performance at the plate and on the mound tonight to beat a Bulldogs team that dominated the Longhorns in Game 1 of the CWS.
Bottom 8th: Georgia 2, Texas 0
Cozart Answers
Not to be outdone, Texas freshman closer Sam Cozart had a perfect Top of the eighth.
Texas goes down (very) quietly
Georgia closer Justin Byrd worked. perfect seventh inning, sitting down the UT hitters in order.
Georgia adds on wild sacrifice fly
With UGA runners at first and third, a bloop near the left field foul line had three Longhorns chasing it. UT shortstop Adrian Rodriquez caught it, but was run into by freshman Anthony Pack Jr. The collision delayed A-Rod’s throw and Ryan Black got his fingertips to the plate before the throw. It was a great throw, but the miscommunication in the outfield cost Texas dearly.
A-Rod’s effort wasted
Adrian Rodriquez is the only Texas hitter really rolling in Omaha. A-Rod hit a single to right, then took second on an error. But, once again the Longhorns can’t cash in the runner. UT is 0-4 with runners in scoring position. Texas is down to their final nine outs.
Cozart blows Branch Away
It took Sam Cozart four pitches to get UGA shortstop Kolby Branch out. After a ball, Cozart threw a curveball and two straight 95 MPH heaters to get out of the inning.
Harrison out, Cozart In
The Longhorns have also gone to their closer early. Luke Harrison pitched well, but with two runners on base and two outs in the sixth inning, UT coach Jim Schlossnagle isn’t taking any chances. Texas closer Sam Cozart is in. The freshman has been one of the best closers in the country this year.
Byrd shuts down Texas
Dariyan Pendergrass bunted Larson to second. But Texas couldn’t cash in the run off Byrd. Texas’ season is down to 12 outs if they can’t figure out Georgia pitching.
Georgia goes to Closer in 5th
After allowing a walk to Ashton Larson, Bulldogs coach Wes Johnson has called for his closer Justin Byrd. It might seem early for such a move, but in a ‘win or go home’ game it is all hands on deck all the time. Byrd has eight saves on the year.
Dylan Vigue was great for UGA and had the Texas hitters completely off balance.
Dawgs Bite First
The first run of game belongs to Georgia. Tre Phelps’ double to left scored Brennan Hudson, who walked to lead off the 5th. Harrison shut the Bulldogs down after that, but UGA draws first blood.
It’s officially a pitcher’s duel
UGA pitcher Dylan Vigue worked a 1-2-3 inning with another strike out. The first run in this game is going to be HUGE.
Harrison works through trouble
UGA had a couple baserunners thanks to a walk and catcher’s interference. But Harrison struck out two more to keep the shutout going.
So many strikeouts
Not to be outdone, UGA pitcher Dylan Vigue just struck out the side and has five Ks of his own so far.
Strikeout Machine
Texas starter has started the game hot. The lefty has struck out eight out of ten batters so far.
Borba stranded
Longhorns third baseman Casey Borba shot a single to center. But UT couldn’t cash in the run.
HBP no problem
Despite hitting Michael O’Shaughnessy, Texas pitcher Luke Harrison was able to get a pop up and two strike outs to end the inning.
UT strands two runners
Carson Tinney got a single and Anthony Pack Jr. walked. But Texas wasn’t able to get them home.
Harrison works perfect 1st
Considering the disaster the first inning was against Georgia on Saturday, Texas starter Luke Harrison working a 1-2-3 first is a good sign.
Texas Longhorns Starting Lineup
Georgia Bulldogs Starting Lineup
Texas Longhorns vs. Georgia Bulldogs game info
What channel is Texas Longhorns vs. Georgia Bulldogs on?
ESPN will broadcast Friday’s CWS game between Georgia and Texas. Streaming options include the ESPN app (with a TV login) and Fubo, which carries the ESPN family of networks and offers a free trial to new subscribers.
Watch Texas vs. Georgia on Fubo TV! (Regional restrictions may apply)
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: LIVE COVERAGE: Texas faces another CWS elimination game, face Georgia
Reporting by Trey Luerssen, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Trey Luerssen, Longhorns Wire | USA TODAY Network
