The Texas Longhorns baseball team, ranked third nationally, showcased their offensive and pitching prowess in a commanding 14-0 run-rule triumph against the UTRGV Vaqueros. The game, concluded in seven innings, highlighted exceptional performances from both rising stars and seasoned players, setting a formidable tone for their upcoming challenges.
Dominant Performance: Longhorns Shut Out Vaqueros
On a Tuesday in late February 2026, at UFCU Disch-Falk Field in Austin, Texas, the atmosphere was electric as the No. 3 Texas Longhorns squared off against the UTRGV Vaqueros. Freshman right-handed pitcher Sam Cozart, making his inaugural start in the burnt orange and white, was nothing short of brilliant. Cozart, a powerful 6’6, 260-pound athlete, dominated the Vaqueros' lineup, tallying eight strikeouts over four innings. Despite issuing three walks, a minor deviation from his usual pinpoint control, his overall performance underscored his immense potential. This outing followed a strong relief appearance the previous week, where he allowed only one run over four innings, signaling his readiness for a starting role.
The Longhorns' offense was equally impressive, unleashing a 15-hit barrage that included two towering home runs. Eleven different players contributed to the offensive onslaught. Junior catcher Andrew Ermis, a junior college transfer, made a significant impact, collecting two hits and driving in two runs, marking his first hits as a Longhorn. Freshman catcher Presley Courville also recorded his first hit for the team, adding to the day's milestones. Junior center fielder Aiden Robbins initiated the scoring with a home run down the right-field line, his third of the season, showcasing his early-season power surge compared to his previous year at Seton Hall. Robbins had an exceptional day, going 3-for-3 with four runs, three RBIs, a walk, and a stolen base, elevating his batting average to an impressive .419.
The scoring continued steadily throughout the game. In the second inning, Ermis and sophomore second baseman Ethan Mendoza each contributed RBI singles. Junior left fielder Ashton Larson added another run with a single in the third. The fourth inning saw a burst of offense as the Horns scored four runs, propelled by RBI singles from Ermis and Robbins, and highlighted by junior designated hitter Carson Tinney's colossal 445-foot home run over the center field batter's eye, exiting the bat at 110 miles per hour.
Texas sealed their victory with six more runs in the sixth inning, thanks to RBI singles from Robbins, Courville, and redshirt senior third baseman Temo Becerra. Freshman right fielder Anthony Pack Jr. displayed a remarkable competitive at-bat, fouling off a two-strike pitch before hitting a double into left-center field. Beyond Robbins and Ermis, Becerra and junior first baseman Casey Borba also registered two hits each, rounding out a comprehensive team effort.
Following this commanding win, the Texas Longhorns are set to travel to Houston for the BRUCE BOLT College Classic at Daikin Park. There, they will face formidable opponents in No. 9 Coastal Carolina, Baylor, and Ohio State, aiming to carry their momentum forward into these challenging matchups.
This victory exemplifies the Texas Longhorns' depth and talent, particularly the impressive debut of Sam Cozart as a starter. It highlights the potential for a dominant season, driven by a powerful offense and promising pitching staff. The team's collective performance against UTRGV sets a high bar and provides a strong foundation as they prepare for more rigorous competition. This blend of emerging talent and veteran contribution suggests a bright outlook for the Longhorns in their pursuit of collegiate baseball success.