Texas Infielder Ethan Mendoza Shines in Season-Opening Sweep

Mendoza's offseason transformation pays off with two home runs and seven RBIs against UC Davis

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Texas second baseman Ethan Mendoza had an impressive opening weekend, hitting two home runs and driving in seven runs as the Longhorns swept UC Davis. Mendoza, who gained 15-20 pounds in the offseason to get faster and stronger, delivered a game-winning two-run homer in the season opener and followed that up with another two-run shot in the second game. He finished the three-game series 6-for-12 with a 1.563 OPS.

Why it matters

Mendoza's breakout performance is a positive sign for the Texas offense, which is looking to match the production of a strong pitching staff this season. The Arizona State transfer was one of the Longhorns' most consistent hitters last year despite a shoulder injury, and his offseason transformation appears to have paid dividends.

The details

Over the offseason, the 5-foot-10 Mendoza worked with a performance coach, spent extra time in the weight room, and focused on his diet, adding 15-20 pounds to his frame. The extra strength and power allowed him to hit two home runs and drive in seven runs in the opening series against UC Davis.

  • In the season opener, Mendoza delivered a game-ending two-run homer in the seventh inning.
  • In the second game, Mendoza hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning to erase a 2-0 deficit.
  • Mendoza finished the three-game series 6-for-12 with two home runs, seven RBIs and a 1.563 OPS.

The players

Ethan Mendoza

Texas second baseman who gained 15-20 pounds in the offseason to get faster and stronger, and delivered a breakout performance in the opening series against UC Davis.

Jim Schlossnagle

Texas head coach who praised Mendoza's performance, calling him an "all-SEC caliber player" who is exactly what the team had hoped he would become.

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What they’re saying

“He's an all-SEC caliber player. He's exactly what we had hoped he would become as he got bigger and stronger.”

— Jim Schlossnagle, Texas head coach (si.com)

What’s next

Texas will host the Lamar Cardinals for its first midweek game of the season on Tuesday at 5 p.m. CT at UFCU Disch-Falk Field in Austin, Texas.

The takeaway

Ethan Mendoza's offseason transformation has paid immediate dividends for the Texas offense, providing a much-needed boost as the Longhorns look to match the production of their strong pitching staff this season.