The Texas bats faltered for the first time in weeks Friday night, as the Longhorns could score only one run in 11 innings against Oklahoma State.
Texas took a one-run lead in the third inning on a RBI double from leadoff hitter Mark Payton, who doubled twice. Two Cowboy runs in the 11th were almost erased by a Longhorn rally that loaded the bases, but a strikeout and groundout induced by Oklahoma State reliever Blake Barnes ended the game.
Starter Nathan Thornhill threw 6.2 innings, striking out five and scattering five baserunners, but Cowboy starter Andrew Heaney responded with nine innings, allowing six hits and one run while striking out nine. Barnes earned the win, while Longhorn closer Corey Knebel took another tough loss after throwing 51 pitches in three innings, allowing four hits and two runs.
No. 23 Texas (18-13, 7-3) and Oklahoma State (18-14, 5-5) will play a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 1 p.m., due to oncoming weather. Ricky Jacquez and Parker French will start for Texas, while Kyle Ottoson and Vince Wheeland will start for the Cowboys.