Texas Wins Game One Thriller Over Texas Tech, 2-1, in WCWS Showdown
Game Two Set for Tomorrow Night in Best-of-Three Series
OKLAHOMA CITY — In a tightly contested matchup between Big 12 rivals, the Texas Longhorns edged out the Texas Tech Red Raiders 2-1 Thursday night in Game One of their Women’s College World Series best-of-three series. With dominant pitching and timely hitting, the Longhorns took a crucial step toward advancing to the WCWS Finals.
No. 1 overall seed Texas, known for its explosive offense, leaned instead on its defense and poise under pressure to secure the win at OGE Energy Field. Junior right-hander Mac Morgan was stellar in the circle, scattering five hits across six scoreless innings while striking out four. She was backed by a sharp Longhorns infield that turned two key double plays to keep the Red Raiders off the scoreboard until the final frame.
“I just stayed locked in,” Morgan said postgame. “We know every pitch matters in games like these. I trusted my defense, and they had my back.”
Texas struck first in the bottom of the third inning. Freshman sensation Kayden Henry, who has been a sparkplug all postseason, laced a leadoff double to left-center. Two batters later, All-American outfielder Bella Dayton delivered a clutch RBI single to put the Longhorns ahead 1-0.
The Horns added what turned out to be the game-winning run in the fifth, thanks to a two-out rally. Viviana Martinez drew a walk, stole second, and scored on a sharp single up the middle by junior slugger Mia Scott.
Texas Tech threatened late, loading the bases with one out in the top of the seventh. A sacrifice fly by Red Raiders catcher Riley Love brought in a run to make it 2-1, but Texas closer Estelle Czech slammed the door shut, inducing a groundout to end the game.
“We stayed composed,” said Texas head coach Mike White. “This team has learned how to win close games, and tonight was a perfect example of that. Proud of the fight and focus.”
With the victory, Texas moves within one win of advancing to the WCWS Championship Series. Game Two is scheduled for tomorrow night under the bright lights, with first pitch set for 7 PM CT. If necessary, Game Three would be held Saturday.
Texas fans showed up in force, turning Oklahoma City into burnt orange territory. With one more win, the Horns could punch their ticket to the title round and keep their historic postseason streak alive.
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