The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
Oklahoma State
No. 3 Baseball drops 10-4 decision in tournament opener to Oklahoma State
05.25.2005 | Baseball
OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Longhorns tallied a game-best 12 hits but it was not enough to overcome a three-run fifth and a five run seventh by the Cowboys as No. 3 Texas (43-13) lost a 10-4 decision to Oklahoma State (34-23) in front of 1,800 fans during the opening round of the 2005 Phillips 66 Big 12 Tournament at the SBC Bricktown Ballpark on Wednesday, May 25.
After OSU starter Thomas Cowley worked out of a two-out bases loaded jam in the bottom of the first, the Cowboys loaded the bases on two hits and walk with one out in the top of the second. While Oklahoma State received an RBI-groundout from catcher Matt Clarkson to grab a 1-0 lead, Texas starter Adrian Alaniz (Sinton, Texas) managed to retire his next hitter and limit the deficit to one run. One inning later, Cowley would again handcuff the Longhorns with the bases loaded and one out. Then, in the top of the fourth, OSU received a base hit and a stolen base from Keanon Simon in front of a two-out, RBI-double off the bat of Justin Colbert to make it a 2-0 ballgame. In the fifth, the Cowboys used back-to-back singles, a passed ball and a groundout to plate one more run and then received a two-run home run from first baseman Adam Carr to pull in front 5-0.
A two-run home run with two outs in the bottom of the sixth from freshman catcher Todd Gilfillan (Austin, Texas), which marked the first round-tripper of his career, then cut UT's deficit to 5-2. The Cowboys immediately countered in the top of the seventh with a two-out, two-run double off the bat of designated hitter Mike Hernandez after a base hit and an intentional walk put two runners on with one down to claim a 7-2 advantage for OSU. Still alive in the frame, Oklahoma State then took advantage of a wild pitch on a strikeout, three walks and two more wild pitches to plate three more and break on top 10-2. Continuing to battle back, the Horns put together three singles, including run-scoring hits from both Seth Johnston (Boerne, Texas) and pinch-hitter Clay Van Hook (Brenham, Texas), along with a hit batsman to score twice in the bottom half of the frame and make it a 10-4 contest. Looking to add to their lead, OSU put runners on first and second with two outs, but Texas reliever Jordon Street (Austin, Texas) was able to induce the groundout and keep the game at 10-4.
The Longhorns then looked to rally in the bottom of the ninth as they received back-to-back base hits from Carson Kainer (Tomball, Texas) and David Maroul (Benbrook, Texas) with one out, but Cowboys' reliever Scott Richmond was able to induce consecutive flyouts to end the game. Picking up the win after tossing 6.1 innings and striking out seven was Cowley, while Alaniz incurred the loss after throwing 4.1 frames during his 12 start of the year.
Leading the offense for the Horns on the day was Johnston, who recorded his team-leading ninth, three-hit outing, and the duo of Kainer and Nick Peoples (Round Rock, Texas) who each tallied multi-hit efforts. Meanwhile, OSU was paced by three different Cowboys who each collected two hits on the afternoon, including Carr and Hernandez, who also combined to account for four RBI and three runs scored.
Up next, the Horns will face the loser of the Baylor/Kansas game in a Big 12 Tournament elimination contest set for a 10 a.m. Central on Thursday, May 26 at SBC Bricktown Ballpark.
2005 Big 12 Tournament Postgame Notes & Quotes
- With a base hit in the bottom of the first, senior shortstop Seth Johnston has now hit safely in 48 of 56 games this year and is currently riding a four-game hitting streak. Additionally, with a 3-for-4 performance on the day, he also owns a team-best 30 multi-hit outings to go along with a club-high nine three-hit efforts.
- Senior second baseman Robby Hudson has now hit safely in nine of the last 10 games.
- Sophomore centerfielder Drew Stubbs has reached base safely in 53 of 56 contests in 2005.
- Freshman catcher Todd Gilfillan connected on his first career home run in the bottom of the sixth inning. He also recorded the first two RBI of his career with the two-run home run.
- Behind a 2-for-4 effort, sophomore outfielder Nick Peoples has recorded multi-hit outings in each of his last two games.
- With 12 hits on the day, Texas has now posted 10 or more hits in 28 of their 56 games this season.
Head Coach Augie Garrido
On today's game: Pitching and defense has been the strength of this team and we didn't have that today. Oklahoma State did a great job of capitalizing on their opportunities. Four or five runs is the most that you can give a pitcher to allow him in order to sharpen his breaking ball and fastball, and we gave them too much today. Tomorrow, we have an opportunity to respond and that's the fun of it all. What has happened, has happened. Now, we'll see how we respond tomorrow.
Todd Gilfillan, Fr., C
On the team's as well as his individual performance: We need to play like we know how to play. Tomorrow is a different day and we need to put this behind us. Experience is definitely a good thing. I have to learn to play a little more relaxed and have a good time playing baseball.
Seth Johnston, Sr., SS
On loading the bases twice during the game and not scoring: When you load the bases and don't capitalize twice early in the game, it gives the opposing pitcher a false sense of confidence. At the same time, when you get runners on base like we did, we need to get those runners home.
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