In it to win it: Texas not just happy to be there this time
OMAHA, NEB. » Texas is making its record 37th appearance in the College World Series and, unlike the last time it was here in 2018, coach David Pierce believes this team has the makings to be national champion.
The Longhorns (47-15) went 5-0 through their regional and super regional for the first time since 2004 and are the highest remaining national seed at No. 2.
“Going in there this year, there’s never been any thought of, ‘Hey, we made it to Omaha,’ “Pierce said. “The only thought we’ve had is, ‘It’s the next step. We’re going to Omaha to win this thing.’ “
“Now, whether we’re good enough and the pieces fall into place, you’ve to have a little luck, you’ve got to stay healthy, it’s just got to work out. You’ve got to calm your nerves.”
The CWS returns, with fan capacity at 100%, after the 2020 season was shut down in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Play begins Saturday with No. 9
Stanford (38-15) taking on unseeded North Carolina State (35-18) and reigning national champion and No. 4 Vanderbilt (45-15) facing No. 5 Arizona (45-16) at night. Games Sunday match No. 3 Tennessee (5016) against unseeded Virginia (3525) and the Longhorns against No. 7 Mississippi State (45-16).
Texas has been at the CWS four times since it won the last of its six national titles in 2005.
The 2018 team was led by Kody Clemens’ 24 home runs and a strong defense but the pitching was not elite. That club went two games and out.
Only four players from the ‘18 team remain on the roster for a team whose batting order lists four freshmen, two sophomores, two juniors and a senior.
“I think that team really overachieved in ‘18,” Pierce said. “We pieced the pitching together and it did well but it wasn’t what our pitching is now. And I think when you go to Omaha and you feel confident because your starting pitching gives you an opportunity, it’s a different feeling.”