The University of Texas used timely performances by Travis Tucker on both offense and defense and a strong performance by four pitchers as the Longhorns won a 2-1 decision over Long Beach State University Sunday afternoon at Blair Field.
Tucker knocked in both of Texas’ runs, including plating Chance Wheeless with a groundout in the second inning and driving in Kyle Russell with a chopped single over a leaping LBSU shortstop in the fourth inning.
In the sixth inning, Tucker prevented the Dirtbags from loading the bases, snaring a would-be single from Jason Tweedy to help stall a Long Beach State rally.
Adrian Alaniz (1-0) started for the Longhorns and pitched three scoreless innings, allowing five hits and striking out three to earn the win. James Russell followed with three scoreless innings, yielding just two hits and one walk while striking out three. Joseph Krebs allowed the only LBSU run on one hit, one walk and two strikeouts in two innings. Randy Boone earned his first save of the season with one scoreless inning on one hit and one strikeout.
Omar Arif (1-1) was saddled with the loss for Long Beach State. He allowed two runs on nine hits, two walks and five strikeouts in 5.2 innings.
Long Beach State scored its lone run in the seventh inning as Steve Tinoco hit a solo, pinch-hit home run to lead off the frame.
In addition to Tucker’s performance, Preston Clark, Bradley Suttle and Kyle Russell each had two hits for Texas.
Texas returns to action on Tuesday with the Longhorns facing UT Pan American in a 2:30 p.m. contest at The Dell Diamond in Round Rock.
Thanks to Donald Boyles for the recap. He will be joining the staff soon covering the Texas Longhorns and other baseball in the state of Texas.
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LBSU Recap
Daily Texan Recap
