It was business as usual for the top ranked Texas Longhorns today in their season opener. Sophomore RHP Taylor Jungmann continued his sensational form from last season while junior Connor Rowe collected three hits against the Lobos pitching staff.
Texas got things going in the first inning after RF Kevin Keyes batted in a run on a fielder’s choice with the bases loaded, followed by a two run double from Rowe, making the score 3-0.
New Mexico’s CF Max Willett doubled to lead off the next inning, but was stranded at third base after Jungmann struck out a pair of batters to end the inning. The Longhorns quickly added another run with senior LF Kyle Lusson’s first career home run off Lobo starter Rudy Jaramillo.
Lusson said, about his homerun, “As soon as I hit it I thought it had a chance, but I wasn’t taking it for granted. I ran to first as fast as I could.”
In the matchup of the day, Jungmann, number 31 on the Top 100 list, held New Mexico C Rafael Neda, number 62 on the list, to one hit-and-run single in three appearances. Neda added a double later in the game against Texas reliever Stayton Thomas, finishing 2 for 4 for the game.
Longhorn C Cameron Rupp, number 67 on the list, added a two-run single in the fourth inning against reliever Edwin Carl, to increase the Longhorn lead to six runs. New Mexico was determined to get on the board after leading the NCAA in hitting last season.
With two outs in the fifth, a Jungmann pitch got past Rupp, allowing freshman Alex Allbritton to score from third. The Lobos added another run off Jungmann in the next inning with an RBI single off the bat of newcomer Kenny Held.
RHP Chance Ruffin made his debut as the Longhorns’ closer in the ninth, allowing one hit before striking out UNM 2B Ben Woodchick with a fastball to end the game.
The Lobos collected nine hits in total, but only managed to get 10 runners on base, compared to 16 runners for Texas on eleven hits.
Texas coach Augie Garrido said today was the best first day the Longhorns have had against a quality pitching staff since he’s been in Austin.
Jungmann picked up the win, pitching seven innings with seven hits allowed, giving up two runs, one earned, and striking out eight, while Jaramillo was given the loss in a three inning effort.
