Texas Baseball Survives Bumpy Showing from Bullpen, Beats Washington in Vegas: Recap
The Texas Longhorns baseball team faced off against the Washington Huskies in a thrilling non-conference matchup at the 2025 Las Vegas Invitational. The game, held on a warm March afternoon, was a rollercoaster of emotions that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last out. Despite a shaky outing from the bullpen, the Longhorns emerged victorious, prevailing by a score of 8-6.
Setting the Stage
The Las Vegas Invitational, hosted at a neutral site, brought together top teams from across the country for a series of early-season games, allowing coaches and players to test their mettle before conference play begins. For Texas, the game against Washington represented another opportunity to sharpen their skills, especially on the mound, as the season’s high expectations loom large.
For Washington, the matchup was an opportunity to prove themselves against one of the more storied programs in college baseball. The Huskies entered the game with a 4-3 record, hungry for a signature win that could help establish their identity heading into the meat of the season.
The Texas Longhorns, led by head coach David Pierce, entered the contest with a 6-1 record and an impressive combination of pitching and offense. However, the team’s bullpen had struggled early in the season, and that would be put to the test in Las Vegas. Texas was looking to extend its winning streak, while Washington was eager to play the role of spoiler.
Texas Strikes Early, Offense Sets the Tone
The Longhorns wasted no time asserting themselves offensively. In the top of the first inning, leadoff hitter Porter Brown reached base after being hit by a pitch. Brown, a senior outfielder known for his on-base skills, quickly set the tone for Texas with his patient approach. The next batter, shortstop Max Anderson, showed why he’s one of the team’s key offensive threats, grounding a single to center field that advanced Brown to second.
With two runners on and no outs, the Longhorns’ power hitters were primed for a big inning. A well-placed sacrifice bunt by third baseman Jack O’Dowd moved both runners into scoring position, bringing up Texas’ clean-up hitter, Ivan Melendez. Melendez, the reigning Big 12 Player of the Year, didn’t disappoint. He roped a line drive to right field that easily plated Brown and Anderson, putting Texas up 2-0 early.
Washington’s starting pitcher, freshman right-hander Luke Johnson, struggled to find his rhythm in the opening frame. Despite getting a strikeout on the next batter, the Huskies’ defense couldn’t hold up. Texas’ designated hitter, Dylan Campbell, added to the Longhorns’ advantage with a solid base hit that scored Melendez from second base. By the end of the first inning, Texas had built a 3-0 lead, and it was clear the Longhorns’ offense was clicking.
Washington Responds with Small Ball
Despite the early deficit, Washington wasn’t fazed. The Huskies began their half of the first inning with a leadoff double from left fielder Jack Payton, who ripped a ball into the left-field corner. Payton’s stand-up double set up the Huskies with a great scoring opportunity, and Texas starter, sophomore pitcher Zane Morehouse, would need to be sharp to avoid further damage.
However, Washington’s small-ball approach began to chip away at Morehouse’s command. The next batter, first baseman Ethan Hines, laid down a successful sacrifice bunt to advance Payton to third. Morehouse, trying to limit the damage, struck out the next batter, but the Huskies were relentless. Designated hitter Cameron Miller grounded out to second base, allowing Payton to cross the plate and cut the lead to 3-1.
The Huskies’ ability to manufacture runs had made it clear that they weren’t going down without a fight, and this would prove to be a theme throughout the game. Texas’ defense remained solid, but it was evident that the Huskies were finding ways to score when they needed to.
The Bullpen Struggles
The story of the game, however, would soon turn to the bullpen. Texas’ starter, Zane Morehouse, who had been solid through three innings, ran into trouble in the fourth. After issuing a leadoff walk to Washington’s center fielder, Ryan McMillan, he gave up a hard-hit double to shortstop Jake Callahan. The result? Washington had runners on second and third with no outs, and momentum was clearly shifting in the Huskies’ favor.
Morehouse battled, but he was clearly starting to show signs of fatigue. After a wild pitch allowed McMillan to score, Texas head coach David Pierce made the decision to turn to his bullpen early, bringing in sophomore right-hander Garrett Williams. Williams, who had shown promise in previous appearances, was tasked with putting out the fire.
Williams’ command was inconsistent, and Washington took advantage. After a productive out from second baseman Tyler Jensen moved Callahan to third, Huskies’ catcher Patrick O’Connor came through with a clutch single that scored Callahan, tying the game at 3-3. Just like that, Washington had clawed its way back into the contest.
The Longhorns’ bullpen continued to struggle throughout the middle innings. Williams was replaced by freshman Cole Phillips in the fifth, but Phillips also had his share of difficulties. With two outs in the fifth, Phillips walked back-to-back batters, putting runners on first and second. Although Phillips got out of the inning unscathed, the bullpen’s inconsistency would remain a significant concern for Texas.
The Texas Offense Responds
While the bullpen was faltering, Texas’ offense refused to let the game slip away. In the top of the sixth inning, the Longhorns came right back at the Huskies, putting together a rally of their own.
Jack O’Dowd led off with a single, and the momentum quickly shifted back to Texas’ dugout. Max Anderson followed with a double, moving O’Dowd to third, and the Huskies were once again facing a scoring threat. With one out, Ivan Melendez stepped to the plate. Known for his power, Melendez delivered, sending a sacrifice fly deep to right field. O’Dowd tagged up and sprinted home to give Texas a 4-3 lead.
Dylan Campbell then continued the rally with a sharp single to center field, driving in Anderson and extending the Longhorns’ advantage to 5-3. Although Washington’s bullpen had managed to avoid further damage in the inning, it was clear that the Longhorns’ offense had regained control.
Washington’s Final Push
As the game entered its final frames, Washington wasn’t ready to go quietly into the night. In the bottom of the seventh, the Huskies showed some life when Ryan McMillan came through with a double off Texas reliever Cole Phillips, and a wild pitch moved him to third.
With one out, Washington’s Jack Payton battled Phillips in a lengthy at-bat before lining a single to left field, scoring McMillan and cutting the lead to 5-4. The Huskies had found a way to stay within striking distance, but they were running out of opportunities. Texas’ bullpen, now in the hands of closer Aaron Nixon, was called upon to finish the game.
Nixon Closes the Door
Nixon, a senior who has served as Texas’ closer for multiple seasons, stepped into the game in the eighth inning with the pressure mounting. Despite a shaky start to the season, Nixon had been reliable when called upon, and this game would be no different.
In the bottom of the eighth, Nixon displayed why he’s one of the best in college baseball. He retired the side in order, striking out two of the three batters he faced, including a nasty curveball to end the inning. The Longhorns clung to a 5-4 lead heading into the final frame.
A Nail-Biting Finish
With Nixon back on the mound for the bottom of the ninth, Texas fans could only hold their breath as Washington mounted one final push. The Huskies threatened when Ethan Hines singled to lead off the inning, but Nixon was unfazed. He struck out Cameron Miller and got a huge double play to end the game, preserving the 8-6 victory for the Longhorns.
Final Thoughts
The game against Washington was a test for Texas in many ways. Despite the shaky performance from the bullpen, the Longhorns’ offense delivered when it mattered most, and their pitching staff, led by Nixon, managed to survive the late-game pressure. As the season progresses, Texas will need to shore up its bullpen if it hopes to compete for a national championship. However, the resilience shown by the team in this win—especially in the face of adversity—will undoubtedly serve them well moving forward.
For Washington, the loss was a tough one, but the Huskies showed that they can compete at a high level. Their offense proved capable of battling back against one of the nation’s top teams, and while they couldn’t close the deal, they’ll take a lot of positives away from the contest.
In the end, it was a gutsy win for the Texas Longhorns, who survived a bumpy showing from the bullpen and came out on top, 8-6. As the season moves forward, the Longhorns will look to clean up their bullpen issues while continuing to lean on their potent offense to carry them through the highs and lows of the 2025 season.