Texas baseball off to best start since 2005 after securing Santa Clara sweep: Recap
In a season filled with expectations and high hopes for the Texas Longhorns baseball team, the 2025 campaign has begun with a bang. The Longhorns have emerged as one of the most dominant teams in the country so far, kicking off the season with an impressive performance that sees them at their best start since 2005. The most recent example of their prowess came in a sweep of the Santa Clara Broncos in a three-game series, which has left fans and analysts alike buzzing with optimism for the remainder of the season.
As the Longhorns continue to build momentum, their dominant play in this early stretch is providing the foundation for what could be a special year in Austin. But what exactly has been behind their blistering start, and how did they manage to outplay Santa Clara in such a resounding fashion? Here’s a look at the series recap and why Texas baseball is off to its best start since 2005.
Series Overview: Texas vs. Santa Clara
The three-game series against Santa Clara, which took place over the weekend, was seen as an early test for the Longhorns. While Santa Clara isn’t typically considered a powerhouse in college baseball, they entered the series with a solid record and a competitive roster. For Texas, however, the main goal was to showcase their depth, talent, and improvements from last season. After a successful run in 2024, the Longhorns wanted to prove that their dominance wasn’t just a one-off but a trend they could continue into the new season.
From the first pitch of the series, it became clear that Texas was on a mission. The Longhorns posted dominant performances on both offense and defense, with their pitching staff showcasing its elite abilities and their bats delivering when needed most.
Game 1: Texas Sets the Tone with Commanding Win
The opening game of the series was a statement win for Texas, who won in decisive fashion with a score of 9-1. The game featured a complete team effort, with standout performances across the board, but it was Texas’ pitching staff and offensive firepower that stood out the most.
On the mound, Lucas Gordon, the ace of the Longhorns’ pitching staff, turned in a brilliant performance. Gordon, who had already established himself as one of the premier pitchers in the Big 12, was nearly untouchable in this game. He went seven innings, allowing just one run on three hits while striking out eight batters. His control was pinpoint, as he mixed speeds and kept Santa Clara off balance all game long. His performance earned him the win and solidified his reputation as one of the most reliable pitchers in college baseball.
Offensively, the Longhorns were just as impressive. The middle of their batting order, led by Tanner Witt and Jared Thomas, pounded Santa Clara’s pitching staff. Witt, who has been one of the most consistent hitters in Texas’ lineup, drove in three RBIs in the game, including a two-run double that broke the game open in the fifth inning. Thomas also added a key two-run homer that helped to push the lead out of reach, giving the Longhorns an insurmountable cushion.
The Longhorns’ defense was sharp as well, with several key plays helping to keep Santa Clara from mounting any sort of sustained rally. Texas’ infield was crisp, with Trevor Werner and Porter Brown making several crucial plays to get outs in key situations.
Game 2: Longhorns Continue to Dominate in 7-2 Victory
After the blowout win in the opener, the Longhorns were eager to follow up with another solid performance in Game 2. Santa Clara came out with more fight, but Texas was simply too powerful on both sides of the ball.
Tristan Stevens took the mound for Texas in Game 2, and like his counterpart in the opener, he was nothing short of outstanding. Stevens was in control for much of the game, going six strong innings, allowing only two runs (one earned), while striking out six batters. His ability to keep Santa Clara’s hitters off balance with a steady mix of fastballs and off-speed pitches allowed the Longhorns to hold the Broncos to just five hits in the game. Texas’ bullpen was also stellar, with Riley Pearson coming in to close out the game, throwing a scoreless three innings in relief to secure the win.
At the plate, the Longhorns didn’t need to explode with 9 or 10 runs to secure the victory, but they certainly had their moments. Mitch Daly, who has been a rising star for Texas this season, continued his hot hitting, adding two RBIs to his growing total. Peyton Powell also delivered a crucial double that scored two runners, helping to pad the lead late in the game.
Once again, the Longhorns’ defense was flawless, with Cam Williams making a spectacular diving catch in the outfield to preserve the two-run lead in the sixth inning. Throughout the game, the Longhorns executed their game plan to perfection, keeping Santa Clara at bay while continuing to pile on runs.
Game 3: A Complete Team Effort Seals the Sweep
Heading into the final game of the series, Texas had already secured the first two wins, but they weren’t about to let up. With a chance to complete the sweep and put an exclamation mark on their strong start to the season, the Longhorns delivered once again, winning the final game 6-3.
This time, it was a team effort from top to bottom. Offensively, the Longhorns struck early, putting up a four-run inning in the second that gave them a comfortable cushion. Zane Morehouse, who started on the mound for Texas, delivered a quality performance, going five innings, allowing just two runs on four hits while striking out seven batters. His solid outing allowed the Longhorns to keep Santa Clara at arm’s length for the majority of the game.
Texas’ lineup came through when needed, with Tanner Witt hitting another two-run double to extend the lead in the third. Jared Thomas was also a key contributor, picking up an RBI with a groundout that helped the team extend its lead in the later innings.
The game also featured some timely defense. Trevor Werner continued his stellar defensive play at third base, making several standout throws and preventing any potential scoring opportunities. With the Longhorns ahead by three runs late in the game, their bullpen, led by Travis Sthele, closed things out with efficiency, limiting Santa Clara to just one hit over the final two innings.
The victory completed the sweep for Texas, and it was clear from the way they played that this team was ready for something special in 2025. They had shown their offensive depth, their pitching dominance, and their overall team chemistry.
What This Sweep Means for Texas Baseball
The series sweep over Santa Clara is far more than just a few early-season victories—it signals that Texas baseball is primed for a successful season. The Longhorns have now won all 10 of their games to start the season, marking their best start since 2005, when they went on to have an incredible year. That team ultimately made it to the College World Series, and fans in Austin are starting to see similarities between that squad and the 2025 version.
For one, the pitching staff has been lights out. Both the starters and the bullpen have been consistently dominant, showing the depth and versatility that Texas has built in recent years. From Lucas Gordon to Tristan Stevens and Zane Morehouse, the rotation has been excellent, and with a bullpen that can shut down opposing lineups late in games, Texas has the pitching necessary for a deep run.
Offensively, the Longhorns have been equally impressive. Their batting order is filled with powerful hitters capable of changing the game in an instant. Players like Jared Thomas, Tanner Witt, and Mitch Daly have been consistent at the plate, while Peyton Powell and Trevor Werner have shown the ability to come through with key hits when needed.
In addition, the team’s defense has been as strong as ever. Texas has shown the ability to execute the fundamentals—making the necessary plays and keeping their opponents from taking advantage of any mistakes. When a team combines great pitching, solid defense, and timely hitting, it becomes a real contender for not just conference championships but also national titles.
Looking Ahead
With the sweep of Santa Clara, Texas has now firmly established itself as one of the teams to watch in 2025. While the competition will only get tougher as the season progresses, the Longhorns have proven that they are more than ready for the challenges ahead. The goal now is to continue this momentum as they enter Big 12 play, where they will face their toughest tests yet.
Head coach David Pierce has built a program that is known for its discipline, its toughness, and its ability to perform under pressure. With a mix of experienced veterans and young, hungry talent, Texas is set up for a potentially historic season. The next few weeks will reveal just how far this team can go, but for now, fans in Austin can celebrate what has been a remarkable start to the 2025 season.
