The unusually cold Texas weather did not stop No. 16 Texas baseball from defeating Dartmouth 4–3 on Friday and taking a 1–0 series lead.
Since Tuesday’s home opener against Houston was canceled due to inclement weather, head coach Jim Schlossnagle was ready to have his first game at UFCU Disch-Falk Field, regardless of the temperature.
“(It was) a cold day, but it is cold for both teams,” Schlossnagle said. “In order to put together a good season, you have to win games in different ways.”
The Longhorns got off to a quick start with two runs in the first inning from graduate student Kimble Schuessler and junior outfielder Max Belyeu. Schuessler’s run was set up by an RBI single from junior infielder Jalin Flores, while sophomore outfielder Tommy Farmer IV hit a double for Belyeu.
Despite the quick start, the game was marked by pitcher Thomas Burns. The sophomore took over junior pitcher Ruger Riojas in the eighth inning after Dartmouth scored from two of his pitches, bringing the score to 4–3.
A transfer from Arizona State, Burns is not used to being a relief pitcher and closing out games. However, he embraced the challenge.
“I just focus on my breathing, and I become present in the moment,” Burns said. “You got to take a deep breath to get on the mound and realize where you are and be where your feet are. That’s my first save ever. It is a really cool experience no matter who we’re playing.”
Burns struck out senior catcher Zackarie Casebonne in the eighth inning and freshman center fielder Axel Riess for the first out of the ninth inning. Alongside his two strikeouts, Burns did not allow any hits or runs and threw for another 16 strikes over 25 total pitches.
The success from Burns can be attributed to the smaller number of pitches he had to throw as a reliever pitcher compared to a starter, not having to save his arm for multiple innings.
“It’s a lot of fun being able to come out of the bullpen … and just start ripping baseballs,” Burns said. “I think that’s been a lot of fun for me, having the opportunity to pick up teammates. You’re already in the game, and you just got to do what you do and dominate the zone.”
Although Burn’s background as a starter would say otherwise, Schlossnagle had no problem putting him in a new role.
“Burns pitched really well in a short stint last weekend, and we feel like he can do that,” Schlossnagle said. “That was an easy decision. He was a starter at Arizona State and now he’s turned into this short stint reliever that pitches with emotion.”
Outside of Burns’ late pitching performance, the rest of the Longhorns struggled on both ends of the mound. Senior pitcher Jared Spencer threw for five walks, while the team as a whole only accounted for six walks.
“We’re going to enjoy the win,” Schlossnagle said. “I’ve learned it’s better than the alternative. We’ll have a constructive conversation about tomorrow.”
Texas baseball will return to Disch-Falk Field on Saturday for the second game of the series against Dartmouth. The first pitch is scheduled for noon.
