Longhorns Notebook: Texas Takes Weekend Series Over Indiana
When the Texas Longhorns started their season 0-3 after a disappointing showing in the College Baseball Showdown, questions arose about what kind of season this would be for a team replacing seven of nine starters.
One week later, though, and the Longhorns appear to be just fine. A midweek 12-2 blowout win over Texas A&M Corpus Christi and a series win over Indiana over the weekend have Texas feeling good despite the poor start.
Yes, a sweep would have been the preferred outcome but if you win three out of four you will take that. However, just like the first three games don't define the season, neither will the last four.
For now, though, here are three key takeaways from the Longhorns successful weekend of baseball.
Hello, Porter Brown
The TCU transfer has been electric to start the season for the Longhorns, and has been the best bat in the lineup to boot. Brown is slashing an impressive .320/.400/.680 with a team-high three home runs and eight RBIs.
As the Longhorns look to be competitive in the Big 12, and once again return to the College World Series, guys like Brown will be key. So far, Brown has answered the call and has been a catalyst in the Longhorns offense through seven games.
Pitching continues to shine
One of the biggest question marks entering the season would be how the pitching staff would look under a new pitching coach. While Lucas Gordon was a sure-fire staff ace, it was yet to be seen how Zane Morehouse, Travis Sthele and the bullpen would perform behind him.
Well, it is safe to say that so far the pitching has definitely passed the eye test. The starting rotation combined for 16.1 innings of five-run baseball against the Hoosiers, with 17 strikeouts and only 10 hits. As for the bullpen, they only allowed three runs in the three games against Indiana.
Ugly baserunning
While the Longhorns did take two out of three from Indiana, the chance was there to complete the sweep and get above .500 for the season. Instead, they were unable to get that elusive fourth straight win.
A big reason for that was their poor showing on the base paths in the loss, getting caught stealing three times and thrown out at second another time on a bad read on a ball in the dirt. If you can't keep guys on the bases once they reach safely, it will make it harder to put up runs and ultimately win games.
What's next for Texas?
The Longhorns are back in action at home once again, as they welcome the LSU Tigers to Disch-Falk Field on Tuesday with first pitch set for 6:30 p.m. CT.
You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98
Want to see the Horns in action? Get your Texas Longhorns game tickets from SI Tickets here!
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Longhorns? Click Here to Subscribe to the Longhorns Country Newsletter
Want even more Texas Longhorns? Check out the SI.com team page here
Follow Longhorns Country on Twitter and Facebook.
Make sure to subscribe to the Longhorns Country Podcast today! Click here To Listen.