Longhorns Notebook: No. 16 Texas Blanks Cal Poly in Three-Game Sweep

The Longhorns don't allow a single run as they sweep the Mustangs.

The Texas Longhorns (6-1) came into their weekend series against the Cal Poly Mustangs (2-5) looking to get a winning streak going, having won two straight games entering the three-game. 

Get a winning streak going they did, as the pitching staff and bats complemented each other perfectly to get the weekend sweep for the Longhorns. There was a lot to like about the performance from Texas, from the pitching staff dominating to the lineup providing a plethora of clutch hits.

For now, though, here are three key takeaways from the Longhorns' three-game sweep of the Mustangs. 

Deadly duo atop lineup 

Setting the table for the guys coming after you is the key job for those situated atop the lineup. Fortunately for the Longhorns, the duo of Jared Thomas and Peyton Powell have been scorching hot to start the season and continued that trend against the Mustangs. 

The two entered Sunday hitting a combined 6-for-12 on the weekend with five RBIs between the pair, two of which came off a Thomas home run on Saturday. Continuing their hot stretch into Sunday, they went 7-for-9 with Powell collecting two home runs and three RBIs.  

Stellar pitching

We knew coming into the series against the Mustangs just how good Lebarron Johnson Jr. was going to be on Friday's, and he delivered with eight shutout innings and eight strikeouts in the opener. However, the question marks remained on Saturday and Sunday.

Well, it is safe to say those questions have been answered. At least for now, that is. Hurley bounced back from a shaky first start to give the Longhorns six dazzling innings of shutout baseball, followed by Cody Howard going five shutout innings on Sunday. 

Then there's the bullpen, who deserves a shout out themselves. After the starters tossed 19 innings of shutout baseball, they followed up with eight innings of their own to secure the sweep without allowing a single run in the three games.

Keep it rolling

First things first. Yes, it is early in the season so winning streaks should be taken with a grain of salt. That being said, five straight wins with the team appearing to be firing on all cylinders is certainly nothing to scoff at regardless of who you are or who you've played. 

Now the Longhorns must keep their heads down and keep grinding, focusing on finishing non-conference play strong before opening Big 12 play against a tough Texas Tech squad on the road. 

Longhorns Shutout Cal Poly 7-0 to Complete Sweep: Live Game Log

What's next for Texas? 

The Longhorns are back in action again from home on Tuesday evening as they welcome the St. John's Red Storm to Disch-Falk Field at 6:30 p.m. CT.