Another one: Texas tops Texas A&M by 1 run again to win Lone Star Showdown series
AUSTIN (KXAN) — History repeated itself Saturday at UFCU Disch-Falk Field.
Texas closer Dylan Volantis struck out Texas A&M's Terrence Kiel II looking for the final out in the second consecutive game, resulting in another one-run victory for the Longhorns, 3-2 over the Aggies to claim the Lone Star Showdown series in Southeastern Conference play.
After throwing 40 pitches to get five outs Friday, Volantis didn't have to work nearly as hard to get his 11th save of the season. He recorded two outs with eight pitches to secure the series win, needing four to sit Kiel down again.
Leading 3-1 going to the ninth, Texas A&M's Kaeden Kent and Blake Binderup drew walks from Longhorn pitchers Thomas Burns and Max Grubbs, putting the go-ahead run at the plate for the Aggies with no outs. Ben Royo laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance both runners into scoring position, and then Volantis came in for Grubbs. Hayden Schott hit an RBI groundout to cut the Texas lead to 3-2, but Volantis used his terrific breaking ball to stymie Kiel like he did Friday.
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The strikeout spoiled an otherwise nice game at the plate for Kiel. He hit two doubles for the Aggies, accounting for all their extra-base hits.
Longhorns second baseman Ethan Mendoza tied the game at 1-1 in the third inning with a solo home run, and he delivered an insurance run in the seventh with an RBI double. Jalin Flores swiped third base and then scored the go-ahead run in the sixth after Aggies' third baseman Wyatt Henseler mishandled the throw from catcher Bear Harrison.
Mendoza had three hits with two RBIs from the leadoff spot, and Kimble Shuessler, who began his college career with the Aggies, went 2-for-3 with a walk.
Texas starting pitcher Luke Harrison had a great outing, allowing one run on four hits with six strikeouts and a walk in six innings. Aggies starter Justin Lamkin struck out eight and walked two in 5.1 innings, allowing two runs on four hits. Only one of the runs he allowed was earned.
The Longhorns (36-5, 18-2 SEC) can complete a series sweep if they win Sunday. The first pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m., and the game will be broadcast on ESPN2.