No. 19 Longhorns Continue Conference Play Against Baylor

The Longhorns look to keep themselves in contention for the Big 12 title as they hit the road against Baylor.

© Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports

With just 21 games left in the regular season, 15 of which are conference games, the Texas Longhorns have put themselves in a strong position to contend for a conference title and earn a regional host bid. 

If you looked at the team that dropped to 4-7 after a series loss to Cal State Fullerton and the team that's gone 20-4 since, you might think they're two completely different teams. 

Of course, it is the same team and the simple explanation is that a team replacing seven starters from a historic offense took some time to gel. Now, though, they're in sole possession of first place in the Big 12. 

They've won two of their three conference series so far, including a sweep of Texas Tech. Next up for the Longhorns is their second road conference series, as the travel to Waco to take on Baylor and hope that it produces a different result than their series against Oklahoma State. 

How to watch/listen:

Game 1: Friday at 6:30 p.m. CT (Big 12 Now on ESPN+/TexasSports.com/Audio)

Game 2: Saturday at 2 p.m. CT (Big 12 Now on ESPN+/TexasSports.com/Audio)

Game 3: Sunday at 1 p.m. CT (Big 12 Now on ESPN+/TexasSports.com/Audio)

A look at Baylor's season so far

It has been an inconsistent season so far for the Bears in their first season under Mitch Thompson. They've struggled so far in conference play to the tune of a 4-8 record, with series wins against Oklahoma and Kansas State. While they're 0-10 on the road, they are 12-11 at home and are set to host the Longhorns this weekend.

Baylor by the numbers

Record: 12-21 (4-8)

Runs scored: 181

Runs allowed: 270

Team Avg.: .260

Team ERA: 6.78

Baylor wins this series if...

They can limit the damage the Longhorns offense does, especially with two outs. The Longhorns have been explosive at the plate at times, but have also struggled mightily as well. If the Bears can induce the latter out of Texas, then they could leave the weekend with a huge upset series win. If not, though, it could be an outcome similar to last season when the Longhorns swept the Bears and outscored them 46-9.

Texas wins this series if...

The team that showed up to sweep Texas Tech and take the series from Kansas State shows up. In both of those series the Longhorns strung together clutch hits and dominant pitching in their wins, and as a result find themselves in first place in the Big 12. On paper this is a series the Longhorns should win, but they still cannot afford to take the Bears lightly if they want to maintain first place in the conference. 

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You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98

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