The Texas vs. Tech baseball rivalry has been a staple of college baseball for decades, with both teams consistently producing top-tier talent and competing at the highest level. Over the years, there have been countless thrilling moments that have contributed to the rich history of this rivalry. Here are five clutch moments that stand out in the Texas vs. Tech baseball rivalry.
The Early Years: A Rivalry Born
The Texas vs. Tech baseball rivalry has its roots in the early 20th century, when both teams first began competing against each other in 1925. However, it wasn't until the 1960s and 1970s that the rivalry truly began to take shape. During this period, both teams experienced a surge in success, with Texas winning its first College World Series (CWS) title in 1949 and Tech winning its first conference championship in 1973.
Moment #1: The 1983 Conference Championship
One of the most clutch moments in the Texas vs. Tech baseball rivalry came in 1983, when the two teams faced off in the Southwest Conference (SWC) championship game. With the score tied at 2-2 in the bottom of the 9th inning, Texas shortstop Spike Owen hit a walk-off home run to give the Longhorns a 3-2 victory and the conference championship.
What Made This Moment So Special
This moment was special not only because of the walk-off home run but also because it marked a turning point in the rivalry. The 1983 conference championship game is often cited as one of the greatest games in the history of the Texas vs. Tech rivalry, and it set the stage for many more thrilling moments to come.
Moment #2: The 2002 College World Series
Another clutch moment in the Texas vs. Tech baseball rivalry came in 2002, when the two teams faced off in the College World Series (CWS). With Texas trailing 5-3 in the bottom of the 8th inning, outfielder Eric Sultemeier hit a two-run home run to tie the game at 5-5. The Longhorns went on to win the game 6-5 in extra innings, advancing to the CWS championship game.
What Made This Moment So Special
This moment was special because it marked a rare postseason meeting between the two teams. The 2002 CWS matchup was the first time Texas and Tech had faced each other in the postseason, and it did not disappoint. The thrilling comeback victory by Texas capped off an incredible postseason run and cemented the rivalry as one of the greatest in college baseball.
Moment #3: The 2009 Big 12 Championship
A more recent clutch moment in the Texas vs. Tech baseball rivalry came in 2009, when the two teams faced off in the Big 12 Conference championship game. With the score tied at 2-2 in the top of the 10th inning, Tech catcher Jeremy Mayo hit a two-run home run to give the Red Raiders a 4-2 victory and the conference championship.
What Made This Moment So Special
This moment was special because it marked a rare championship win for Tech over Texas. The 2009 Big 12 championship was the first conference title for Tech since 1998, and it capped off an incredible postseason run for the Red Raiders.
Moment #4: The 2014 Big 12 Tournament
Another clutch moment in the Texas vs. Tech baseball rivalry came in 2014, when the two teams faced off in the Big 12 Tournament. With Texas trailing 5-2 in the bottom of the 9th inning, outfielder Collin Shaw hit a three-run home run to tie the game at 5-5. The Longhorns went on to win the game 6-5 in extra innings, advancing to the tournament championship game.
What Made This Moment So Special
This moment was special because it marked a thrilling comeback victory for Texas. The 2014 Big 12 Tournament matchup was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading runs and neither able to gain a clear advantage. The thrilling finish capped off an incredible tournament run for Texas and set the stage for many more clutch moments to come.
Moment #5: The 2020 Shriners Hospitals for Children College Classic
The most recent clutch moment in the Texas vs. Tech baseball rivalry came in 2020, when the two teams faced off in the Shriners Hospitals for Children College Classic. With Texas trailing 4-3 in the bottom of the 9th inning, shortstop Trey Faltine hit a walk-off home run to give the Longhorns a 5-4 victory.
What Made This Moment So Special
This moment was special because it marked a rare walk-off home run for Texas over Tech. The 2020 Shriners Hospitals for Children College Classic matchup was a closely contested affair, with both teams trading runs and neither able to gain a clear advantage. The thrilling finish capped off an incredible weekend for Texas and set the stage for many more clutch moments to come.
Gallery of Texas Vs Tech Baseball Rivalry
What is the Texas vs. Tech baseball rivalry?
+The Texas vs. Tech baseball rivalry is a college baseball rivalry between the University of Texas at Austin and Texas Tech University.
When did the Texas vs. Tech baseball rivalry begin?
+The Texas vs. Tech baseball rivalry began in 1925.
What are some notable moments in the Texas vs. Tech baseball rivalry?
+Some notable moments in the Texas vs. Tech baseball rivalry include the 1983 conference championship game, the 2002 College World Series matchup, and the 2020 Shriners Hospitals for Children College Classic.
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