Longhorns Notebook: Texas Sweeps Bison for Seventh Straight Win

The home stand has been kind to the Longhorns, and that trend continued with their sweep of the Bison.

It turns out the only thing the Texas Longhorns needed to do to get their season back on track was return home for a 14-game home stand. After falling to 4-7 with a disappointing series loss to Cal State Fullerton, Texas looks like a brand new team. 

Just over a week later, though, and the Longhorns have won seven straight games and find themselves sitting comfortably at 11-7 after the first half of their home stand. 

After cruising to wins over Sam Houston State, Mercer and a three-game sweep of Manhattan the Longhorns continued that momentum into a two-game midweek series against North Dakota State. 

While it is worth noting that the Longhorns haven't faced the stiffest competition during this home stand, you can only play who is in front of you and wins are wins regardless. 

Now, here are three key takeaways from the Longhorns' midweek sweep of the Bison. 

Offense stays hot at home

Prior to the beginning of the home stand against Sam Houston State, the Longhorns offense had been mostly inconsistent and had only scored seven or more runs once. After their two-game sweep of the Bison, though, the Longhorns have scored seven runs or more in seven straight games. 

They outscored the Bison 14-6 in two games, with both games featuring a premier performance from Eric Kennedy. Kennedy gave the Longhorns the lead for good in both games, with a two out, two-run double in game one and a solo home run in game two. 

As a team, the Longhorns put up 14 runs on 18 hits in two games, while drawing an impressive 14 walks in the process. The bats are getting hot for Texas, just before conference play. 

Charlie Hurley - nails out of the bullpen

When the Longhorns landed Charlie Hurley out of the transfer portal, the question became how he would be utilized by David Pierce and pitching coach Woody Williams. Well, through 18 games it is clear that they have found the perfect role for the 6-8, 215-pound right hander. 

Hurley has consistently been used in long stretches out of the bullpen, with his most recent outing coming against the Bison on Tuesday. While starter Lebarron Johnson Jr. struggled early, Hurley was able to come in and give the Longhorns 5 1/3 innings of scoreless baseball, striking out five and allowing only three hits. 

With the season quickly approaching conference play, having a deep pitching staff with multiple starting caliber arms is key. Through eight appearances Hurley is 1-0, with a team-high 1.71 ERa - consistently giving Texas multiple innings. 

Seven games down, seven to go

The Longhorns have officially played half of their home stand, and it is safe to say they love playing at home. After reeling off seven straight wins to start their home stand they sport an impressive 10-2 record at Disch-Falk Field, which will be huge in conference play. 

Winning in the Big 12 is far from easy, and it is especially difficult to win on the road. If the Longhorns can continue to dominate at home, then they will set themselves up perfectly to be a contender for a Big 12 conference title - and even a potential regional host site come June. 

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You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98

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