Expect some excitement at UFCU Disch-Falk Field this weekend, with 19th Texas Longhorns receiving the undefeated, No. 10 South Carolina Gamecocks, for an important series of three games before the start of Big 12 next weekend against the Baylor Bears.
The series marks the first major test for the Longhorns after the opening season disaster in Arlington produced three defeats for the SEC’s powers.
With 11-0, South Carolina comes into play without having faced the same level of competition as Texas, with serial wins over Dayton, Mercer and 5-5 Clemson. But there is no doubt that Gamecocks can get it right – the team boasts a batting average of 0.311 with Wes Clarke leading with 0.410 with eight home runs.
Right-hander Thomas Farr, transferred to junior college, is Friday’s holder for South Carolina. In three matches, Farr is 2-0 with an ERA of 1.56 and 20 eliminations in 17.1 throws. Another transfer to junior college, the right-handed Brannon Jordan, will start on Saturday with 3.46 ERA and 23 eliminations and 11 walks on 13.0 entries.
Right player Austin Todd will not play for the Longhorns while he rests his right shoulder which he separated on a slide to second base on Tuesday against the Bearkats. Todd also suffered a crack in the humerus during the play. There is currently no timetable for his return.
Fortunately for Texas, Douglas Hodo III had a strong start to his second season, leading the Horns with a batting average of 0.367.
The first performance on Friday is at 6:30 pm Central on the Longhorn Network.