Longhorns Looking to Bounce Back Against Missouri

The Longhorns are back in action again on Saturday afternoon against Missouri in the College Baseball Showdown.

ARLINGTON - It was a disappointing opening night for the Texas Longhorns, as their late rally attempt came up just short in their 3-2 loss to Arkansas to open the season. 

Coming into the season there was a chance the offense would get off to a slow start after losing seven out of nine starters from last season. While it was only one game, the Longhorns offense will be something to monitor early in the season as they continue to find their footing. 

However, they are right back in action on Saturday afternoon with a chance to wipe the slate and get in the win column for the first time this season. They do so against the Missouri Tigers, who also dropped their season opener on Friday.

Missouri by the numbers: 

Record: 0-1 

Runs allowed: 5

Runs scored: 3 

Team ERA: 5.63

Team Avg.: .242

Keep in mind these numbers are only after one game, so it is a small sample size of how Missouri looks. 

Missouri wins this game if...

They can shut down the Longhorns offense in a similar manner to Arkansas. The Razorbacks showed the blueprint to beating Texas on Friday - shut down the offense and get to the bullpen. If the offense can't put up runs there is only so much the pitching staff can do to keep the Longhorns in the game for nine innings. 

Texas wins this game if...

They can wake up the bats. Yes, this might seem repetitive with Missouri's what if, but it is the simple truth of the matter. The Longhorns are starting Zane Morehouse, who showed flashes last season but was overall inconsistent. If Texas can put runs on the board, though, it will give Morehouse room to breathe and settle in, which would be a huge confidence boost for the pitcher.

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You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98

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