No. 11 Texas Baseball Secures First SEC Series Win with 5-3 Victory in Game 2 at Mississippi State

In a thrilling and closely contested game, No. 11 Texas baseball earned its first Southeastern Conference (SEC) series win of the 2025 season by defeating Mississippi State 5-3 in Game 2 of their weekend series. This victory, coming after a tight loss in Game 1, marked a significant milestone for the Longhorns as they continue to adjust to the challenges and demands of the SEC. The win was fueled by strong performances on both the mound and at the plate, making it clear that Texas is a force to be reckoned with in the highly competitive SEC.

Setting the Stage: A New Challenge for Texas Baseball

For many years, the University of Texas has been one of the most respected programs in NCAA baseball, regularly competing for conference championships and national titles. But when the Longhorns made the decision to join the SEC for baseball starting in 2025, they stepped into a whole new arena. The SEC has long been considered one of the toughest conferences in college baseball, featuring powerhouse programs such as LSU, Vanderbilt, and Florida, along with rising teams like Arkansas and Ole Miss.

As the Longhorns adjust to their new conference home, the road to success in the SEC has not been easy. While they have certainly shown their talent and skill in non-conference play, navigating the demanding SEC schedule is a different challenge altogether. The series against Mississippi State represented an early test for Texas, one that would be critical in determining whether they could thrive in their new conference.

Game 1: A Close Loss

In the opening game of the series, Texas faced a tough Mississippi State team in Starkville. Despite a solid pitching performance from starter Luke Harrison, who allowed only two earned runs over six innings, the Longhorns fell short by a 4-3 margin. Mississippi State’s pitching staff, led by ace Garrett Rhodes, stifled Texas’ offense, limiting them to just six hits.

The game was a microcosm of Texas’ struggles early in SEC play—unable to fully capitalize on scoring opportunities and allowing key mistakes to cost them in critical moments. After taking a 2-1 lead in the top of the fifth, the Longhorns saw the Bulldogs bounce back with three runs in the bottom of the inning, including a pivotal two-run double by Mississippi State’s third baseman Jackson Huff. Texas had opportunities to claw their way back into the game, but a pair of strikeouts in the top of the ninth inning sealed their fate.

Despite the loss, there were several positives for Texas. Their pitching staff demonstrated the potential to compete at a high level in the SEC, and their defense was solid throughout the game. Still, the Longhorns knew that Game 2 would be critical if they were to avoid dropping the series to the Bulldogs.

Game 2: The Turning Point

The second game of the series on Saturday was a pivotal moment for the Longhorns, and they came out determined to earn their first SEC series win. Texas sent sophomore pitcher Jake Henry to the mound, and he responded with a strong outing, going 6.2 innings while allowing three earned runs and striking out seven. Henry’s performance was critical in setting the tone for the rest of the game, as the Longhorns’ pitching staff continued to show resilience under pressure.

While Henry kept Mississippi State’s offense at bay for most of the game, the real difference-maker was the Texas offense, which found its rhythm after struggling in Game 1. The Longhorns took the lead in the second inning when designated hitter Sam Houston launched a two-run homer over the right-center field fence, giving Texas a 2-0 advantage. Houston, who had struggled with consistency early in the season, came through when his team needed him most.

Mississippi State was not going to go down without a fight. In the bottom of the fourth inning, the Bulldogs scored two runs of their own, tying the game at 2-2. A leadoff walk by first baseman Zach Brown and a subsequent RBI single from left fielder James McCauley set up the scoring. Texas’ defense was tested, but they held firm, with catcher Austin Pledger throwing out a runner attempting to steal second, keeping the game tied.

Texas answered in the top of the sixth. After a leadoff double by shortstop Derek McDonald, second baseman Ethan James advanced him to third with a sac bunt. Then, with one out, right fielder Billy Ross delivered the clutch hit, singling to right field to bring McDonald home and put Texas back on top, 3-2. The Longhorns weren’t done yet, as they tacked on two more runs in the eighth inning to create some breathing room.

The insurance runs came off the bat of center fielder Caleb Johnson, who has quietly been one of Texas’ most consistent hitters all season. Johnson delivered a two-run double, bringing home Houston and third baseman Aaron Harris to make the score 5-2. Mississippi State managed to score one more run in the bottom of the eighth, but Texas’ closer, Matt O’Brien, entered the game and shut down the Bulldogs in the ninth to secure the win.

The 5-3 victory was a testament to the Longhorns’ resilience. After a frustrating loss in the first game, they showed poise and determination in Game 2, rallying behind solid pitching and timely hitting. The win also helped Texas gain momentum heading into the decisive Game 3 of the series, as they sought to secure their first-ever SEC series victory.

Key Players: Performance and Impact

Several players stood out in the 5-3 victory, and their contributions were pivotal to the team’s success.

1. Jake Henry (Starting Pitcher) – The sophomore pitcher was excellent in his start, limiting the Bulldogs to just three earned runs while pitching deep into the game. Henry’s performance was critical in setting the tone for the Longhorns, as he proved he could handle the high-pressure SEC environment. His composure on the mound kept Texas in the game, allowing the offense to do its work.
2. Sam Houston (Designated Hitter) – Houston’s two-run home run was the first spark for the Longhorns’ offense. His ability to come through with a big hit early in the game set the tone for Texas’ offensive attack. After a slow start to the season, Houston’s performance in Game 2 was a welcome sight for the team.
3. Caleb Johnson (Center Fielder) – Johnson has been one of Texas’ most consistent hitters all year, and his two-run double in the eighth inning sealed the victory for the Longhorns. Johnson has the ability to get on base and create scoring opportunities, and he showed that in a critical moment of the game.
4. Matt O’Brien (Closer) – After allowing a run in the bottom of the eighth, O’Brien came on in the ninth to finish the game and secure the victory for Texas. His ability to handle the pressure of a close game was crucial in ensuring that the Longhorns could hold onto their lead.

Looking Ahead: SEC Play and What’s Next for Texas

With the 5-3 victory in Game 2, Texas finds itself in a strong position to claim its first SEC series win. Heading into Game 3, the Longhorns know they have a chance to not only win the series but also gain valuable momentum as they continue their SEC slate.

The key takeaway from this series is that Texas is capable of competing at a high level within the SEC. Their pitching staff, which was one of the biggest question marks heading into the season, has shown it can go toe-to-toe with the SEC’s best. Offensively, players like Caleb Johnson and Sam Houston have proven they can come through in clutch situations, and the team is beginning to find its rhythm at the plate.

Regardless of the outcome of Game 3, Texas has already established that it is a force to be reckoned with in the SEC. The Longhorns will need to continue playing with intensity, focus, and discipline as they navigate the rest of their conference schedule, but their first series win in the SEC will undoubtedly give them confidence as they move forward.

For Mississippi State, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow, but the Bulldogs have shown they can compete at a high level. With a strong home crowd behind them, Mississippi State will look to rebound in future SEC series. For now, all eyes will be on Texas as they continue to make their mark in their new conference home.

As the SEC season unfolds, Texas baseball is poised to become one of the premier teams in the conference, and their performance in Game 2 against Mississippi State proved that they can hang with the best. The road ahead will be challenging, but with a roster full of talented players and strong coaching, the Longhorns are more than ready to face the competition head-on.