Long gone are the days of us discussing the Longhorns as a potential 1-seed in the NCAA Tournament or a #2 finish in the Big XII. What's sad (for us) is that our enthusiasm for this team's potential has not diminished all that much. The team has the pieces to be good, and there have been encouraging signs in the past few weeks to go with all the discouraging ones. This weekend Texas travels to Waco (Friday) before returning home for the final two games of the series against Baylor.
It seems like only yesterday that we were wondering what was wrong with Kyle Russell. Whatever it was, from what the baseball preview says we think he's figured things out:
After hitting just one home run in 22 games in February and March, KYLE RUSSELL showered the opponents with 12 home runs in 19 games in April. For the month, Russell hit .324 (24-of-74) with two doubles, one triple, 12 home runs and 28 RBI. The month’s onslaught included nine home runs in 12 league games and four two-home games.
Freshman Chance Ruffin has established himself as the Friday starter, and two of Cole Green, Austin Wood, and Big Bird (fresh off his no-no) will round out the weekend rotation. There's no telling which Longhorn team will show up this weekend, but we'd be really happy if it was the good one.
A series win could do wonders for the team's psyche and give it some momentum for the final series against a really good Texas A&M squad.
May 2, 2008
Texas: RHP Chance Ruffin (5-3, 2.27 ERA)
Baylor: RHP Kendal Volz (3-4, 4.19 ERA)
May 3, 2008
Texas: RHP Cole Green (2-4, 4.34 ERA) or LHP Austin Wood (3-2, 5.30 ERA)
Baylor: RHP Shawn Tolleson (4-3, 5.15 ERA)
May 4, 2008
Texas: LHP Austin Wood (3-2, 5.30 ERA) or RHP Kenn Kasparek (3-3, 4.29 ERA)
Baylor: RHP Willie Kempf (6-2, 3.99 ERA)
0 recs | 6 comments
Geez, not the Anteaters again!
Baseball America projects Texas as a 3-seed in the UCIrvine Regional. Maybe we can return the favor and upset them on their home field.
Projected Field
In related news, UT demolished the Bears last night 12-1 on the back of freshman phenom Chance Ruffin.
Any “chance” this guy comes back for his sophomore season?
Texas Wins
patienthornsfan - May 3, 2008
Sophomore season
Lord I hope so… The kid has been an absolute stopper and should be a great asset to the team in a tournament situation. He will probably get Texas to the winners’ bracket of a regional and (if they get there) win half of a super regional by himself. The issue will be for the rest of the rotation and bullpen to step their game up. They’d be in real good shape if everyone follows the example of Kenn Kasparek :)
Sweed4Heisman - May 3, 2008
Why wouldn't he be?
He can’t leave until after his junior season (in most cases), correct? Either way, this team may be stacked next season.
40AS - May 3, 2008
I hope you're right...
...I was just unclear on the rule. I thought they could leave whenever they wanted, but I’m glad I was wrong.
Sweed4Heisman - May 3, 2008
I believe...
That it’s either 3 years of college or 21 before a certain day. That’s why Kyle Russell could leave last year (he was 21) and Jordan Danks could not. Chance will certainly be here next year and unless he’s old for his grade then he’ll be here at least 2 years. Somebody that might know the exact rule can clear things up for certain though.
40AS - May 3, 2008
Bears Bubble Burst?
Heading into the weekend both Texas and Baylor were squarely on the bubble, which has to be just as disappointing for Bears fans as it’s been for us BON’ers. Texas and Baylor were ranked 16th and 15th in the preseason polls, but have not lived up to expectations. With a spanking in Waco last night, Texas may have just put themselves solidly into post-season contention – and knocked the Baptists out. A series win or sweep would likely make that a certainty.
BA Weekend Watch
patienthornsfan - May 3, 2008
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