No. 3 Texas defeats Houston Christian 16-3, extends unbeaten start with another midweek run-rule win

Texas stays perfect as offense breaks open game in middle innings

Austin’s third-ranked Texas Longhorns delivered another decisive midweek result Tuesday, defeating Houston Christian 16-3 in a run-rule win at UFCU Disch-Falk Field. The victory pushed Texas to 12-0 on the season, continuing an early stretch defined by lopsided scoring margins and efficient pitching.

The game turned sharply in the fourth inning. After Texas carried a 2-1 lead into the bottom of the frame, the Longhorns posted a six-run outburst that moved the contest out of reach. Texas added four more runs in the fifth—highlighted by a three-run home run from catcher Carson Tinney—and kept adding separation with another multi-run inning later in the game.

Freshman starter Sam Cozart gives Texas five innings as bullpen closes

Freshman right-hander Sam Cozart made his second career start and worked five innings, allowing one hit—a solo home run—while striking out six. Texas used its bullpen to navigate the final innings, limiting Houston Christian’s chances to mount a response after the Longhorns’ offense created a large cushion.

Multiple contributors fuel 14-hit night

Texas’ lineup produced 14 hits, with nine different players recording at least one. Ethan Mendoza anchored the attack, going 3-for-5 with two RBIs and three runs scored. Tinney’s three-run homer punctuated the fifth inning, while Casey Borba and Aiden Robbins were among the other Longhorns with notable multi-hit or run-producing contributions as Texas reached double digits for runs again in early March play.

• Score: Texas 16, Houston Christian 3 (run-rule)

• Texas record: 12-0

• Key pitching line: Sam Cozart — 5 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 6 K

• Key hitting line: Ethan Mendoza — 3-for-5, 2 RBI, 3 runs

Context: unbeaten start follows tournament title in Houston

Texas returned to Austin after sweeping its weekend slate at the BRUCE BOLT College Classic at Daikin Park, a tournament run capped by a 10-3 win over Ohio State on Sunday. The Longhorns’ midweek result against Houston Christian extended that momentum and reinforced the program’s early-season profile: a lineup capable of scoring quickly in clusters and a pitching staff that has limited opponents’ damage across both starts and relief appearances.

Texas has paired an undefeated start with multiple run-rule outcomes, turning close early innings into decisive wins through sustained middle-inning production.

What’s next

Texas is scheduled to remain at home for a weekend series against USC Upstate, continuing a stretch in which the Longhorns have consistently combined scoring depth with short, efficient outings from their pitching staff.