LSU was one win away from a national title entering tonight's game against Texas. They are in the exact same spot now, as UT freshman Taylor Jungmann threw a masterful complete game to beat the Tigers 5-1. That sets up a decisive, winner-take-all game tomorrow night.
Jungmann, a 6-6 righty, was in control from the beginning, striking out two batters in a perfect first inning. He struck out 9 and allowed only 5 hits the whole way. Jungmann's 4-seamer ranged from 92-95 mph, and his 2-seamer got groundouts in the 87-89 range. He spotted his curve and change at will, and left the Tigers' vaunted bats hopeless all night. The only run came directly from an error in the field, but Jungmann shook it off and whiffed the next hitter. It was simply a dominating performance, especially for a freshman, and the 'Horns will now have a rested staff for tomorrow. Offensively, Russell Moldenhauer and Preston Clark were the stars, as they each pulled homers.
Moldenhauer's shot was his 4th of the year. Amazingly, all have come in Omaha. Clark's homer was his 3rd, and his 2nd in Omaha. The cozy dimensions at Rosenblatt are a stark contrast to Disch-Falk Field in Austin, and the Longhorns are showing that with their recent power surge.
LSU, on the other hand, was in a hole from the beginning of the game. Their #3 starter Austin Ross, a pretty good but inconsistent righthander, got the start while ace Anthony Ranaudo watched from the dugout. Ranaudo will pitch on 4 days' rest tomorrow. Ross was roughed up a bit, and so was LHP Ryan Byrd. I predicted LSU to win the series, but I definitely liked the Longhorns' chances tonight. They are swinging extremely hot bats, and their pitching was in a much more favorable situation coming into the game. Now it all comes down to Game 3. Buckle up, tomorrow's going to be an exciting night.
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