AUSTIN, Texas – After suffering a heartbreaking defeat to the No. 1 Texas Longhorns in game one, the No. 8 Auburn Tigers looked to even up the series with a victory in game two.
The top-ranked Longhorns and their high-powered offense quickly ended that dream.
The No. 1 Longhorns (32-5) bested the No. 8 Tigers (27-12) 8-3 on Friday night at UFCU Disch-Falk Field behind timely hitting, big-time strikeouts and great defensive plays to secure a top-ten series win.
The Longhorns came out hot in this one, jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the third inning and never looking back after that. Freshman left fielder Jonah Williams led the Longhorn charge, going 2-4 with 3 RBIs for his first collegiate multi-hit performance. The Longhorns poured in 11 hits as a team, as they continue to prove why they are the No. 1 team in the country.
The Tigers' sole offensive output came from All-American slugger Ike Irish, who blasted two home runs for his third multi-homer game of the season. While Irish continues to rake, the rest of the Tigers' offense has gone quiet this series, only mustering up five runs in the first two contests. The Tigers loaded the bases in the ninth inning, but senior first baseman Cooper McMurray punched out swinging to end the Tigers' final threat.
Longhorns starting pitcher Luke Harrison took home the win, going 5.1 innings while giving up two runs on four hits and three walks while striking out six. The Tigers' southpaw starter Cade Fisher was tagged with the loss, going just 3.1 innings and giving up four runs on six hits. The Tigers will look to avoid a sweep in game three on Saturday.
First pitch for game three between the Tigers and Longhorns will be at noon. The game will be broadcast on SECN+ and the ESPN app.
