Longhorns Kick Off Final Home Stand Against UT Arlington Mavericks
When the Texas Longhorns suffered an ugly series sweep at the hands of the Oklahoma Sooners it cast a dark shadow on their season. What once appeared to be a Big 12 title contender was now fighting just to remain in the top half of the standings.
However, just two weeks later and the Longhorns have a chance to enter the Big 12 Tournament and postseason play red hot. Following the sweep the Longhorns have turned around and went 5-2 in the seven games since, including back-to-back road conference series wins over TCU and Kansas.
Now, they sit at 12-9 in conference play which is good for fourth in the standings with an outside chance at still playing for a conference championship if certain games go their way this weekend.
Their series against Kansas marked the final road games of the regular season for the Longhorns, as they now return home for a seven-game home stand which kicks off against the UT Arlington Mavericks.
How to watch/listen:
Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. CT (Longhorn Network/TexasSports.com/Audio)
A look at UT Arlington's season so far
In a very similar fashion to the Longhorns the start of the season was not a great one for the Mavericks. While Texas started its season a disappointing 4-7 the Mavericks started off their season at 3-8 and looked dead in the water. Since then, though, they've gone 22-8 and find themselves in third in their conference.
UT Arlington by the numbers
Record: 25-21
Runs scored: 323
Runs allowed: 347
Team Avg.: .294
Team ERA: 6.68
UT Arlington wins this game if...
It can get its bats to travel and take advantage of what will likely be a bullpen heavy day for the Longhorns on the mound. Texas has been inconsistent on the mound in recent weeks, especially its bullpen, which is what the Mavericks will bank on happening once again. If that is the case then they could leave Austin with a marquee upset win.
Texas wins this game if...
It puts together another performance in the same vein as it did in its last two midweek wins - a 20-0 seven-inning run-rule win over Abilene Christian and an 18-3 seven-inning run-rule win over Texas Southern. If that team shows up against the Mavericks then the Longhorns have a very good chance of kicking off their final home stand with a resounding win.
You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98
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