If Texas baseball wants to keep their winning streak alive and score a ninth consecutive victory to kick off the 2026 season, they'll have to get past last year's College World Series runners-up, Coastal Carolina.
The Longhorns are set to face the Chanticleers on Friday night at Daikin Park, home of the Houston Astros, marking the first-ever meeting between these two programs. This game kicks off Texas's participation in the Bruce Bolt College Classic, where they'll also square off against Baylor and Ohio State.
Currently sitting at an impressive 8-0, Texas has dominated early in the season, sweeping series against UC Davis and Michigan State, while also picking up midweek wins over UTRGV and Lamar. Coastal Carolina, with a 6-2 record, arrives fresh off a midweek victory against Campbell. Last weekend, they took two games from VCU but stumbled against Illinois.
On the mound for the Longhorns will be Ruger Riojas. The right-hander has been stellar, allowing just two earned runs over 11 innings and striking out 19 batters in his two starts this year.
Coastal Carolina will be missing a key player, as Cameron Flukey, instrumental in their run to the College World Series finals last year, is sidelined with a rib stress fracture. Stepping in for him is Luke Jones, who boasts a career ERA of 3.36 across 17 appearances.
Texas vs. Coastal Carolina: Live Updates, Highlights
Pregame: The start time has been pushed back to 8:05 p.m. after the earlier game between Ole Miss and Baylor extended longer than expected.
Game Details:
- When: 8:05 p.m.
Friday
- Where: Daikin Park, Houston
- TV/Radio: Houston Astros YouTube Page, 1300 AM
Texas Longhorns Lineup:
- 2B Ethan Mendoza
- SS Adrian Rodriguez
- CF Aiden Robbins
- C Carson Tinney
- RF Jonah Williams
- 1B Casey Borba
- RF Anthony Pack Jr.
- 3B Temo Becerra
- DH Ashton Larson
Coastal Carolina Lineup:
- CF Dean Mihos
- 2B Blake Barthol
- DH Trace Mazon
- RF Rex Watson
- 3B Walker Mitchell
- LF Jordan Taylor
- 1B Colby Thorndyke
- C Domenico Tozzi
- SS Ty Barrango
Starting Pitchers:
- Texas: RHP Ruger Riojas (2-0, 1.64 ERA)
- Coastal Carolina: RHP Luke Jones (0-0, 2.35 ERA)
This matchup promises to be an exciting showdown as Texas looks to extend their unbeaten run and Coastal Carolina aims to prove their mettle against a formidable opponent.