Texas vs. Dartmouth Baseball: Full Game Recap

Game Overview:

The University of Texas Longhorns hosted the Dartmouth Big Green at UFCU Disch-Falk Field on February 23, 2025, to close out their three-game series. After winning the first two games of the series, the Longhorns came into the final game looking to complete the sweep in their home opener, and they did just that with a solid 4-1 victory. The win not only secured the series sweep but also highlighted a combination of great pitching, solid defense, and timely offense.

Starting Pitching:

The Longhorns’ starting pitcher, Austin Baker, faced the Big Green’s Will McNamara. McNamara was tasked with keeping Texas’ potent lineup at bay while Baker looked to set the tone early for his team.

Baker pitched effectively through the first few innings, keeping Dartmouth’s hitters in check. He didn’t allow a run, working around a few scattered base runners with good control of his pitches. McNamara, on the other hand, also kept the game scoreless for a few innings but struggled with command in the fourth, leading to a key run for the Longhorns.

Key Inning – Texas Breaks the Stalemate:

The game remained scoreless into the bottom of the fourth inning when the Longhorns broke through with the game’s first run. Mendoza, who had been aggressive all game, knocked a single to start the inning. A sac bunt advanced him to second base, and a well-placed ground ball to the right side allowed him to score from third, putting Texas up 1-0.

Texas Adds Insurance Runs:

In the fifth and sixth innings, the Longhorns tacked on two more runs, giving themselves a 3-0 cushion. Ethan Mendoza continued to be a factor offensively, contributing to the run support with another clutch hit that helped set the table for subsequent batters. The team’s consistent offensive approach throughout the middle innings was key to putting Dartmouth at a disadvantage early.

Dartmouth’s Response:

Dartmouth wasn’t without their own moments, though. In the seventh inning, they managed to break through with a single run, making it a 3-1 game. The run came courtesy of a leadoff double and a deep fly ball that moved the runner to third. A sharp single through the infield brought the runner home, cutting the Longhorns’ lead to two. The Big Green began to show signs of life, but Texas’ defense and pitching would prove too strong for them to mount a serious rally.

Volantis’ Dominance:

The story of the game’s later innings was Dylan Volantis, the freshman pitcher who came in for relief and shut down Dartmouth’s offense. Volantis entered the game in the fifth inning after Baker had completed his initial outing. What followed was a dominant relief performance, with Volantis allowing just one base runner over the next 4 2/3 innings. His control was impeccable, using a mixture of breaking balls and fastballs to keep Dartmouth off balance. This impressive outing showed the depth and potential of Texas’ pitching staff as they look ahead to tougher competition.

Final Insult to Injury:

In the eighth inning, with the Longhorns leading 3-1, they added an insurance run to further seal the game. Jared Thomas singled to left field and later came around to score after a couple of well-executed base-running plays and a hit from Brock Bennett. This additional run helped Texas push their lead to 4-1, which would be enough to secure the victory.

Defensive Play of the Game:

As important as the offense and pitching were, defense played a pivotal role in securing the win. One of the key defensive moments came in the eighth inning when the Longhorns turned a crucial double play to escape a jam and end any hope Dartmouth had of a comeback. The infield turned the double play smoothly, allowing Volantis to maintain his groove and shut down any rally attempts from the Big Green.

Texas’ Balanced Approach:

What stood out in this game was the Longhorns’ balanced approach—strong pitching, timely hitting, and solid defense. The pitching was especially impressive, with both Baker and Volantis stepping up to handle the task efficiently. On offense, Mendoza was the standout, contributing in multiple ways, including driving in key runs and reaching base in crucial moments. The defense was airtight, helping protect their lead throughout.

Looking Ahead:

With the win, Texas moves to 3-0 on the season, and they are poised to continue their strong start. Their next matchup will be a showdown against Incarnate Word on February 25, 2025, at home, where they’ll look to build on this momentum. Following that game, the Longhorns head to Las Vegas for the Las Vegas Classic, where they’ll face teams like Washington, Texas Tech, and Illinois. These upcoming matchups will be an important test for Texas as they head into tougher competition.

Takeaways:

• Pitching Depth: The Longhorns’ pitching staff, especially Volantis, demonstrated a deep bullpen that will be key for their season. The ability to go to a reliable reliever and have them shut down an opponent is a luxury Texas will look to capitalize on as the season progresses.
• Offensive Consistency: The Longhorns’ offense, though not explosive in this game, showed they could strike at key moments. With Mendoza leading the charge and other players like Jared Thomas and Brock Bennett contributing when needed, Texas has the offensive depth to succeed.
• Strong Start: With a sweep to start the season, Texas is sending a message to the college baseball world. They are ready to compete at a high level, and if they can continue playing like this, they’ll be a team to reckon with throughout the season.

Final Score:

Texas 4, Dartmouth 1

Postgame Comments:

After the game, Texas head coach David Pierce was pleased with his team’s performance but emphasized that there’s always room for improvement. “We’ve got a great group of guys, and they’ve worked hard to prepare for this season. It’s still early, but I’m happy with how we’re playing so far. We’ve got to stay focused, keep building on these wins, and get ready for tougher competition ahead,” Pierce said in his postgame interview.

As for Volantis, the freshman pitcher was praised for his composure in a critical situation. “He was fantastic today. To come in and throw like he did, especially as a freshman, was impressive. He’s got a bright future ahead of him, and it’s exciting to see him contributing already,” Pierce added.