Schuessler’s Late Homer Seals Comeback Victory for No. 1 Texas Over No. 8 Auburn

In a tightly contested matchup at UFCU Disch-Falk Field on Thursday night, the top-ranked Texas Longhorns rallied to secure a 3-2 victory over the No. 8 Auburn Tigers, thanks to a go-ahead solo home run from first baseman Kimble Schuessler in the seventh inning. This victory marks Texas’s seventh win against a ranked opponent this season. 

The win marked Texas’s 14th comeback of the season and extended their impressive record to 31-5 overall and 14-2 in conference play, while Auburn fell to 27-11 and 9-7 in their conference standings.

The Longhorns found themselves trailing early in the contest after Auburn right fielder Ike Irish connected for a two-run home run in the top of the third inning, giving the visiting Tigers a 2-0 advantage. However, Texas demonstrated their resilience and ability to perform under pressure, particularly with two outs.

In the bottom of the third, second baseman Ethan Mendoza stepped to the plate with two outs and delivered a crucial single, driving in the Longhorns’ first run and narrowing Auburn’s lead to 2-1. Mendoza continued to be a consistent offensive presence for Texas, ultimately recording two hits in the game, his team-leading 18th multi-hit effort of the season.

The score remained unchanged until the bottom of the sixth inning, when shortstop Jalin Flores came through in a key situation. With two outs and the Longhorns still trailing by a run, Flores laced a double that brought a runner home, tying the game at 2-2. This clutch extra-base hit marked Flores’ team-leading 21st game-tying or go-ahead RBI of the season, highlighting his importance in critical offensive moments.

The pivotal moment of the game arrived in the bottom of the seventh inning. With the score still knotted at 2-2, first baseman Kimble Schuessler stepped up to the plate and launched a solo home run, giving Texas their first lead of the night at 3-2. This swing proved to be the game-winner, sending the home crowd into a roar.

The Longhorns’ pitching staff played a crucial role in securing the victory, particularly the relief efforts of Max Grubbs and Dylan Volantis. Grubbs entered the game in the third inning, replacing starting pitcher Jared Spencer after 2 2/3 innings, and delivered an outstanding performance, pitching 4 1/3 scoreless innings. He struck out four Auburn batters and earned his sixth win of the season. Following Grubbs, Volantis took the mound and was equally dominant, retiring the final eight Auburn hitters he faced to close out the game and earn his ninth save of the year. Together, Grubbs and Volantis limited the Auburn offense to just four baserunners after Irish’s home run in the third inning.