Hornography
By Kahron Spearman, Fri., April 8, 2016
The Struggle Is Real
Texas Longhorn Baseball (12-17, 3-3 Big 12) is in a bad place right now. After losing five of their last six, there's a genuine sense of legitimate danger of a losing season – something not seen since 1998. Currently sitting sixth on the Big 12, the Horns haven't been able to find solid ground, mainly due to their struggles at the plate and getting on base. Hitting only .257, good for seventh in the conference – and a league-low .336 on-base percentage – they are generally struggling to do anything but strike out. The Horns' general power outage, given the team's 2.23 strikeout-to-walk ratio, is disconcerting.
Junior catcher Tres Barrera has been the primary bright spot, hitting .305 with 20 RBI and 48 total bases. However, his aggression – 26 strikeouts to 13 walks, in 29 games – has led to a .390 on-base percentage. The team's overall defensive play is also among the worst in the conference.
The quality pitching – Texas ranks third in the Big 12 in both ERA (3.45) and opponents batting average (.257) – will keep them afloat, and buy time. But how much? On Friday (4/8), Texas goes up to Manhattan for some "get-right," for a weekend tumble with Kansas State (13-17, 0-6 Big 12).
Lady Horns Surge
Riding a four-game streak, the 24-9 (at press time) Lady Horns turned up the heat – winning a double-header Tuesday night vs. UTEP – in preparation for the remaining Big 12 slate. Already 0-2 in Big 12 play – both losses to Baylor – the Horns hope to continue their hot streak and add consistency at the plate, where they're being led by dynamic senior and Big 12 Conference Player of the Week Lindsey Stephens, who's currently second in the Big 12 in batting average and total bases, with a .421 average and 85 TB.
The middle-of-the-road hitting (.303 BA, .380 OBP) is being bolstered by an electric pitching staff (2.02 ERA – first in the Big 12), which includes Tiarra Davis (14-7, 1.65 ERA, 111 K) and Paige von Sprecken (9-1, 2.26 ERA).
The Lady Horns host a 3-game stand, vs. Texas Tech (18-19, 3-0 Big 12) beginning Friday (4/8).
