Saturday had none of that.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In a true pitchers\u2019 duel, No. 4 Texas grinded through six scoreless innings before finally breaking through late to secure a 3-1 victory over Alabama.<\/a> It marked the first time the Longhorns clinched a weekend series on Saturday since their series against Oklahoma.<\/p>\n Pitching shines as nothing came easily for offense Alabama pitcher Zane Adams makes a pitch against Rhode Island. | Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n For most of the afternoon, Texas looked nothing like the offense that exploded the night before, as the Longhorns couldn\u2019t generate anything against Alabama starter Zane Adams.<\/p>\n Despite collecting early hits, the Longhorns couldn\u2019t convert. Through six innings, they were shut out, and the offense stalled completely.\u00a0<\/p>\n Their best opportunity came in the sixth. With runners on second and third and one out, Texas came away empty after Ethan Mendoza struck out to end a nine-pitch at-bat.<\/p>\n Alabama starter Zane Adams was in complete control throughout, tossing six scoreless innings with seven strikeouts and just two walks.<\/p>\n \u201cZane Adams was outstanding,\u201d head coach Jim Schlossnagle said. \u201cHad a changeup going, and was executing pitches all day on a tough day to hit.\u201d<\/p>\n When a pitcher is dealing like that, there\u2019s not always a clear adjustment.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWhen the pitcher\u2019s got a hot hand, it is what it is,\u201d Schlossnagle said. \u201cYou just have to pitch with him.\u201d<\/p>\n Texas did exactly that.\u00a0<\/p>\n Ruger Riojas matched Adams pitch for pitch. Coming off two uncharacteristic outings, he delivered one of his most encouraging performances in weeks. The right-hander struck out 11 batters over five innings, settling in after allowing a first-inning run and keeping Alabama from extending its lead.<\/p>\n It was a return to form for a pitcher who had been absolutely dominant through the season\u2019s first stretch.<\/p>\n Late breakthrough lifts Texas Texas centerfielder Aiden Robbins celebrates after a double. | University of Texas Athletics<\/p>\n Eventually, something had to give. That just happened to be in the seventh \u2014 probably later than anticipated, but effective nonetheless.\u00a0<\/p>\n After two walks opened the frame, Jayden Duplantier tied the game with an RBI single, Carson Tinney followed with another run-scoring hit, and the Longhorns added insurance on a sacrifice fly.<\/p>\n From there, the bullpen handled the rest.\u00a0<\/p>\n Haiden Leffew, Ethan Walker and Brett Crossland combined to bridge the gap before freshman Sam Cozart shut the door with a dominant ninth inning, striking out the side for the second straight night.<\/p>\n \u201cAwesome,\u201d Schlossnagle said of Cozart. \u201cThat\u2019s a really good sign for us for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n Even without a dominant showing, the Longhorns never let up. And in June, that should matter more than anything else.\u00a0<\/p>\n Texas will go for the sweep Sunday at 1 p.m. CT.<\/p>\n Sign up to\u00a0our free newsletter<\/a> and follow us on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0X<\/a> and\u00a0Instagram<\/a> for the latest news.<\/p>\n![\"Alabama](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/01kph6jj7prx6f4gns4j.jpg\" "\\"Alabama")
<\/p>\n![\"Aiden](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1776629350_511_01kjs5c8h75d3tqmgq9m.jpg\" "\\"Aiden")
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