STANFORD, Calif. - The No. 6 Stanford Cardinal (42-18) took a 5-2 lead into the ninth inning, but could not hold on and fell 7-5 to the Texas Longhorns (42-20) Saturday in the first game of a super regional being played at Sunken Diamond.
The Cardinal controlled the first eight innings of the game, but junior closer Ryan Bruno issued two walks and a hit-by-pitch in the ninth to load the bases with nobody out. Freshman Matt Scott took over and induced a fly ball to right-center field, but centerfielder Eddie Park and right fielder Saborn Campbell nearly collided as the ball fell out of Campbell's glove and allowed two runs to score. An RBI-groundout tied the game before Porter Brown lined a two-RBI single into right field for the game-winner.
Scott (5-4) took the loss on the mound for Stanford. Junior Drew Dowd was a bright spot out of the bullpen, going three shutout innings while allowing one hit, walking one and striking out two.
Offensively, the Cardinal were led by freshman Malcolm Moore, who went 2-for-4 on the day with a double, a home run, a walk and four RBIs. Junior Drew Bowser compiled a noteworthy performance at the dish as well, going 1-for-4 with a home run and an RBI. Sophomore Braden Montgomery also chipped in for Stanford, putting together two hits in five trips to the plate while adding a double.
UP NEXT
Stanford will look to extend its season on Sunday when the two teams clash at 6 p.m. on ESPN2.
GAME NOTES
» Every Cardinal starter reached base safely in the loss.
» Stanford was 35-1 entering the game when leading after eight innings this year.
» With the homer, Moore has now homered in three straight games.
» Stanford left 10 runners stranded on base in the loss.
» The Cardinal out-hit the Longhorns at a 9-6 clip.
» Stanford pitchers limited Texas to just 1-for-8 (.125) with runners in scoring position.
» Stanford pitchers faced 42 Texas hitters in the game, allowing 12 ground balls and five fly balls while striking out 10.
» The Cardinal drew six walks from Texas pitching.
» Texas was led offensively by senior Eric Kennedy, who went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI.
» Junior Zane Morehouse led the Longhorns pitching staff, throwing one scoreless inning, to pick up his seventh save.