Hook 'em horns? Texas Toast seems more fitting, Texas falls in extras of College World Series

Bob on 06 23, 2009

Wow…what a game that took place last night in Omaha, Nebraska. In case you made the mistake of not tuning in, Game 1 of the College World Series Finals between the top-seeded Texas Longhorns and the #3 seeded LSU Tigers took place, and as a spectator, it was nothing short of amazing. The ‘Horns did almost everything right except get the W. After getting hooked by the Tigers, things don’t look good for the Longhorns.

Hook ‘em horns? Texas Toast seems more fitting (taking credit for that if it sticks). You would think the #1 national seed Texas Longhorns would be the favorites to win it all, but in reality that’s not the case. With a run margin of +5.5 runs, LSU has been playing the best and most dependable baseball in the tournament, while the ‘Horns have struggled to live up to their motto and top-seed with a run margin of +1.25. If it wasn’t for a bases loaded walk in the 9th inning against Southern Mississippi, Texas might not have made it past their first game in the tourney.

The Longhorns could taste victory last night at Rosenblatt Stadium, leading 6-4 with two (2) outs in the top of the ninth. Texas had LSU on the hook but the Tigers managed to escape. Louisiana State ended up tying the game on a two-run double from DJ LeMahieu to push the game to extra innings, and LSU eventually prevailed in the 11th inning with a final score of 7-6.

With the CWS finals being a best of three (3) series, Game 1 was awfully critical (not like it wouldn’t be in a series of a different length, but you get the idea). If Texas can’t chalk up a W with 5 home runs and solid defensive play against the Tigers, how can they? What more do they have to do?

The Longhorns had their ace pitcher on the mound last night, Chance Ruffin, who pitched great, striking out 10 and only giving up one run which was a solo shot. With two (2) runners on base and 2 outs in the 6th, Texas coach Augie Garrido hit the panic button and decided to pull Ruffin. Subsequent to yanking the ace, closer Austin Wood gave up a two-run triple. Nice decision, Augie!

Why coach Garrido thought it was a smart idea to pull his ace pitcher is beyond me. If Ruffin was bothered by his cramps from Game 2 it would’ve been one thing, but he was dazzling on the mound and said he felt fine. Amateur move on Augie’s behalf to say the least. I expect more from a coach with 5 national titles and a guy who has won more games than any coach in college baseball history. You don’t take an ace who is pitching a gem off the mound! Particularly in this circumstance! It’s not rocket science. This poor managerial decision certainly had something to do with the Longhorns defeat in Omaha Monday night.

Essentially, the Texas Longhorns’ odds of winning their 7th national title are slim. The LSU Tigers are playing at too high of a level, and surrendering Game 1 in the fashion they did is too demoralizing. Expect the Tigers to move into a second-place tie with Texas with their 6th national title.

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