A successful Saturday secured another SEC series for the Texas baseball team.
After Ruger Riojas limited the Alabama offense, UT waited out the Crimson Tide in a 3-1 win at UFCU Disch-Falk Field. The two-run triumph was recorded one day after Texas opened its weekend with Friday’s 10-2 victory over Alabama.
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Alabama huddles on the field ahead of the Texas Longhorns’ first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas (30-7, 11-5) has now won five of its six conference series this season.
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Alabama (27-13, 8-9) started its Saturday with two hits and a walk, but Riojas settled down after allowing a first-inning run. The senior right-hander struck out 11 batters – four of which were rung up in one inning – and surrendered three hits over his five-inning start.
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But while the Crimson Tide struggled against Riojas, Texas didn’t fare any better against Alabama starter Zane Adams. Texas was shut out by Adams, but Alabama made a pitching change after its left-handed pitcher ended the sixth inning with his 104th pitch.
Texas pounced on the Alabama bullpen after the seventh-inning stretch. In the seventh inning, UT drew two walks, got RBI singles from Jayden Duplantier and Carson Tinney, and Adrian Rodriguez drove in an insurance run with a sacrifice fly.
Alabama was unable to get a single hit off of the five UT relievers that pitched after Riojas. After securing a three-inning save on Friday, Texas freshman Sam Cozart retired Alabama in order during Saturday’s ninth inning.
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Ranked No. 4 and No. 11 in the D1Baseball poll, Texas and Alabama will close out their series on Sunday afternoon. The Longhorns will go for the sweep with Luke Harrison (4-1, 4.33 ERA) on the mound. He will be opposed by Alabama’s Myles Upchurch (4-2, 3.50).
Texas Longhorns pitcher Dylan Volantis (99) throws in the first inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns outfielder Anthony Pack Jr. (6) celebrates a double to second base in the fifth inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns pitcher Dylan Volantis (99) misses tagging Alabama Crimson Tide infielder Justin LeBron (1) as he scores off a wild pitch in the sixth inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns pitcher Samuel Cozart (35) throws in the seventh inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns infielder Adrian Rodriguez (24) throws to first in the first inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns outfielder Anthony Pack Jr. (6) slides home to score in the fifth inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns outfielder Aiden Robbins (43) takes off to run to second in the first inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns pitcher Dylan Volantis (99) pitches in the sixth inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns infielder Ethan Mendoza (5) picks up a ball in the infield in the sixth inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns pitcher Dylan Volantis (99) celebrates a strikeout in the fifth inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Alabama Crimson Tide infielder Brennan Holt (4) gets Texas Longhorns outfielder Dariyan Pendergrass (42) out at second before throwing to first base for a double play in the second inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns infielder Adrian Rodriguez (24) dives for the ball in the sixth inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Alabama huddles on the field ahead of the Texas Longhorns’ first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns pitcher Dylan Volantis (99) throws in the fifth inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns outfielder Aiden Robbins (43) takes off to run to second in the first inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns catcher Carson Tinney (8) hits a home run in the first inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns outfielder Aiden Robbins (43) warms up ahead of the Longhorns’ first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns catcher Carson Tinney (8) watches his home run hit for a second before taking off to runt the bases in the first inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns infielder Adrian Rodriguez (24) takes off to run to first in the first inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns infielder Ethan Mendoza (5) gets ready to bat in the first inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns infielder Adrian Rodriguez (24) score a run in the first inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns infielder Adrian Rodriguez (24) celebrates after scoring a run in the first inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns pitcher Samuel Cozart (35) throws in the seventh inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns infielder Josh Livingston (15) gets ready to bat in the first inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns infielder Josh Livingston (15) bats in the first inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns head coach Jim Schlossnagle sings “The Eyes of Texas” ahead of the Longhorns’ first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns outfielder Dariyan Pendergrass (42) makes it home as catcher Carson Tinney (8) celebrates in the sixth inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns outfielder Dariyan Pendergrass (42) bats in the sixth inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns pitcher Dylan Volantis (99) throws in the second inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Alabama Crimson Tide pitcher Tyler Fay (8) gets ready to throw in the second inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Alabama Crimson Tide catcher Luke Vaughn (13) gets Texas Longhorns infielder Casey Borba (31) out at first base in the second inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns outfielder Dariyan Pendergrass (42) talks to first base coach Gehrig Mosiello in the second inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns outfielder Dariyan Pendergrass (42) warms up ahead of the Longhorns’ first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns pitcher Dylan Volantis (99) throws in the fifth inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns outfielder Dariyan Pendergrass (42) makes it back to first base to avoid being caught stealing in the fourth inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns outfielder Dariyan Pendergrass (42) turns to run back to first to avoid being caught stealing in the fourth inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns pitcher Dylan Volantis (99) throws in the fifth inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns pitcher Dylan Volantis (99) throws in the first inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns outfielder Anthony Pack Jr. (6) celebrates a double to second base in the fifth inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns infielder Ethan Mendoza (5) runs for a ball in the infield in the sixth inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Alabama Crimson Tide infielder Justin LeBron (1) runs from third base to score on a wild pitch in the sixth inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns head coach Jim Schlossnagle speaks with an umpire in the sixth inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns outfielder Aiden Robbins (43) bats in the sixth inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns pitcher Kaleb Rogers (30) pitches in the sixth inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns outfielder Dariyan Pendergrass (42) warms up ahead of the Longhorns’ first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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A Texas fan celebrates the Longhorns scoring in the sixth inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns infielder Temo Becerra (1) gets ready to bat in the sixth inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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After Texas was retired in order in the eighth inning, the Longhorns will turn to freshman reliever Sam Cozart to close out this game. Cozart threw 39 pitches while recording a three-inning save against Alabama on Friday night.
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With Alabama starter Zane Adams out of the game after a 104-pitch, six-inning start, Texas finally found some offense. To lead off the seventh inning, Texas drew two walks off of Alabama reliever Matthew Heiberger before Jayden Duplantier tied the game with a single into left field.
Alabama made its second pitching change, but UT still produced. Carson Tinney gave the Longhorns a lead with an RBI single. The Longhorns then added a run on Adrian Rodriguez’s sacrifice fly.
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Texas just wasted its best scoring opportunity of the afternoon. With runners on second and third base, Ethan Mendoza ended a nine-pitch battle with Zane Adams with an inning-ending strikeout. Adams, who received a mound visit with a reliever warming in the bullpen during the sixth inning, has thrown 104 pitches and struck out seven batters.
Former UT pitcher Chance Ruffin was honored at UFCU Disch-Falk Field ahead of the sixth inning as part of the Longhorns’ “TraDISCHion” series. Ruffin pitched at Texas from 2008-10, and his 19 career saves rank sixth in the school record. A first-round draft pick for Detroit in 2010, Ruffin appeared in 68 games for the Tigers and Seattle Mariners.
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After producing its second-most hits of the season during Friday’s 10-2 win, Texas has struggled more on offense today. The Longhorns are still looking for their first run, and they’ve collected just four hits.
Between the fifth and sixth innings, Texas will make a pitching change and replace Ruger Riojas with Haiden Leffew. While throwing 99 pitches today, Riojas allowed three hits while striking out 11 batters.
Texas pitcher Ruger Riojas just accomplished a notable feat in the fourth inning. Riojas struck out all four batters that he faced in the inning. Riojas got a chance at a fourth strikeout because the second batter of the inning – designated hitter Eric Hines – got to first base after swinging on a third pitch that was also a wild pitch that UT catcher Carson Tinney was unable to corral.
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Through four innings, Riojas has struck out nine of the 15 batters that he’s faced. He has thrown 86 pitches.
Both starting pitchers have settled into a groove at UFCU Disch-Falk Field. Alabama’s Zane Adams just struck out two Longhorns while retiring the top of UT’s lineup in order during the third inning. Ruger Riojas has retired six of the last seven Alabama batters that he’s faced.
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Texas has outhit Alabama by a 4-2 margin so far, but the Longhorns are still looking for their first run. Jayden Duplantier’s groundout to Alabama starting pitcher Zane Adams to end the second inning stranded a runner on second base.
For the first time this weekend, Alabama has grabbed a lead. The Crimson Tide produced two first-inning hits off of UT starter Ruger Riojas and Brady Neal’s RBI double brought home the day’s first run.
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Texas Longhorns outfielder Aiden Robbins (43) runs to third and then home to score in the sixth inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026.
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Where: UFCU Disch-Falk Field
TV/radio: SEC Network+, 1300 AM
CF Aiden Robbins
C Carson Tinney
SS Adrian Rodriguez
LF Anthony Pack Jr.
2B Ethan Mendoza
3B Temo Becerra
DH Ashton Larson
1B Casey Borba
RF Jayden Duplantier
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CF Bryce Fowler
SS Justin Lebron
RF Brady Neal
DH Eric Hines
C John Lemm
1B Andrew Purdy
3B Jason Torres
LF Justin Osterhouse
2B Brennan Holt
RHP Ruger Riojas (5-1, 3.40 ERA)
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LHP Zane Adams (4-2, 4.13 ERA)