No. 2 Texas Longhorns Dominate Incarnate Word Cardinals in Run Rule

Texas cruises to a 16-4 victory over the outmatched Cardinals in a midweek matchup.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:23pm

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The No. 2 Texas Longhorns baseball team easily defeated the Incarnate Word Cardinals 16-4 in a run-rule shortened game at UFCU Disch-Falk Field in Austin. The Longhorns scored 13 runs in the first three innings, taking advantage of poor pitching and fielding by the Cardinals. Texas first baseman Ashton Larson and catcher Carson Tinney both hit home runs to power the Longhorns' offense.

Why it matters

This dominant win over an overmatched opponent comes at an important time for the Longhorns, who are looking to bounce back after a less-than-stellar series against South Carolina. The game provided a much-needed tune-up for Texas ahead of their upcoming series against rival Texas A&M.

The details

The Longhorns scored 13 runs in the first three innings, with the Cardinals' pitchers struggling to command the strike zone. Texas took advantage, drawing walks, getting hit by pitches, and capitalizing on defensive miscues. Every Texas starter reached base safely, and the Longhorns batted around the order twice in back-to-back innings. Longhorns first baseman Ashton Larson and catcher Carson Tinney both hit home runs to cap off the scoring onslaught.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, April 8, 2026 in Austin, Texas.

The players

Jim Schlossnagle

The head coach of the Texas Longhorns baseball team.

Ethan Mendoza

The second baseman for the Texas Longhorns.

Carson Tinney

The catcher and designated hitter for the Texas Longhorns.

Ashton Larson

The first baseman for the Texas Longhorns.

Kade Bing

A pitcher for the Texas Longhorns who made his first start since May 2025.

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What they’re saying

“We've proven both positively and negatively that our focus hasn't been consistent in the midweek games. Today [I] try to approach it a different way in terms of my conversation with the team... I thought we responded well.”

— Jim Schlossnagle, Head Coach, Texas Longhorns

“I'm a big guy, so that helps me get some power, give and take to that. That's why I don't have as many bags as I would like. When I make contact, it's pretty hard.”

— Carson Tinney, Catcher and Designated Hitter, Texas Longhorns

What’s next

The Longhorns will face the No. 18 Texas A&M Aggies on Friday, April 11, 2026 at 7 p.m. in College Station, Texas.

The takeaway

This dominant win over an overmatched opponent provides the Longhorns with a much-needed confidence boost and tune-up ahead of their crucial series against rival Texas A&M. The team's ability to capitalize on the Cardinals' mistakes and cruise to a run-rule victory demonstrates their offensive firepower and the depth of their roster.