The Texas Longhorns softball team could be national champions in a few hours. In fact, they can be back-to-back national champions. UT just needs one more win in the Women’s College World Series over Texas Tech to be crowned. But that’s no easy task against one of the best pitchers in the sport.
After making the controversial (and disastrous) decision on Wednesday night to start Kaitlyn Terry, Red Raiders coach Gerry Glasco will undoubtedly go with All-American ace pitcher NiJaree Canady in Game 2. Tech must win tonight to keep their own hopes of a national title alive.
Glasco will most likely second-guess his decision to pitch to Katie Stewart as well. The Longhorns slugger has hit four home runs in four games, a feat never before accomplished in tournament play. Her homer in the first inning of Game 1, which actually left the stadium seating bowl at Devon Park in Oklahoma City, broke the game open and doomed Tech to playing catchup.
“Five runs against (Teagan) Kavan is an uphill battle,” Glasco told ESPN reporter Holly Rowe between the second and third innings.
Kavan, who was last year’s WCWS MVP, pitched a gem against the Red Raiders. It is a good bet Texas coach Mike White will start Citlaly Gutierrez. Texas got a huge performance out of the senior in Game 1 of the WCWS semifinal against Tennessee. Gutierrez allowed one earned run and scattered five hits over six-plus innings.
But if White sees a chance to slam the door late in the game for a title, he won’t hesitate to go back to the star pitcher from Iowa.
Texas vs Texas Tech softball live score
5th Inning: Texas 0, Texas Tech 1
Gutierrez ends rally
After freshman relief pitcher Hannah Wells loaded the bases, Texas coach Mike White went back to starting pitcher Citlaly Gutierrez. The senior got Mihyi Davis to line out to centerfield ending the threat.
Wells now pitching for Texas
Longhorns starter Citlaly Gutierrez has been replaced by freshman Hannah Wells (who just had an at bat). Wells hasn’t pitched much in the postseason, but she is UT’s third starter.
Horns strand two in 4th
Texas finally got to Canady a little bit. Reese Atwood doubled down the left field line and Leighann Goode was hit by a pitch. But Canady got Hannah Wells popped up to second to end the inning.
Tech Takes the Lead
UT starter Citlaly Gutierrez has been playing with fire through the first three innings, allowing baserunners in each frame. Texas finally got burned as Lauren Allred’s single to second scored Mihyi Davis.
Another shutout inning for Canady
Texas’ only baserunner was Kayden Henry to lead off the game. Since then, UT hasn’t reached base.
Red Raiders threaten, but don’t score
Gutierrez allowed a walk and a hit in the second inning, but was able to get two outs on a strikeout and a ground out to end the threat.
Canady perfect 2nd
The Longhorns went down in order 1-2-3 in the second inning to Red Raiders ace NiJaree Canady.
Gutierrez works around hit batter
Texas starter Citlaly Gutierrez hit Mihyi Davis. Davis then stole second. But the Tech centerfielder was stranded at second.
UT strands runner in 1st Inning
Kayden Henry led off the game with a single. But that is all Tech pitcher NiJaree Canady would allow.
Texas goes with Gutierrez
ESPN has confirmed Texas coach Mike White will start Citlaly Gutierrez. The ESPN crew seemed really surprised, but we predicted the move this morning.
Texas Longhorns Starting Lineup
Texas Tech Red Raiders Starting Lineup
Texas Longhorns vs. Texsas Tech Red Raiders game info
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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: WCWS LIVE COVERAGE: Texas goes for national title vs. Texas Tech
Reporting by Trey Luerssen, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Trey Luerssen, Longhorns Wire | USA TODAY Network
