The University of Texas Longhorns baseball team's 61st overall NCAA tournament appearance will began on Friday (June 3) at 1 p.m. against the Air Force Falcons at the familiar confines of UFCU Disch-Falk Field, per a report from Austin NBC affiliate KXAN.
KXAN reported that UT is the ninth seed heading into the postseason, with the matchup against Air Force the first since April when the teams split their two-game series.
Longhorns skipper David Pierce said the berth attests to his men's perseverance.
“It’s awesome,” Pierce said, KXAN reported. “It’s a tribute to these guys not giving in and just keep playing.”
The matchup between UT and Air Force could be a sequel to their April 20 slugfest, which the Longhorns won 12-10.
According to the station, both programs post batting averages hovering over .300, essentially making them two of the best hitting teams in the nation.
Austin ABC affiliate KVUE reported that aside from the resident Longhorns and Air Force, Disch-Falk will also host Louisiana Tech and Dallas Baptist.
The memory of the Falcons' proficiency at the plate is still fresh on Pierce's mind, per KVUE.
“This is a potential first-rounder we're going to face in game one, and you guys had a great look at their offense, and so I like our position being a nine,” the sixth-year coach told the station. “I think we've got one of the toughest four seeds in the country with a very good ace.”
The Longhorns look to atone for losing the Big 12 title game to Red River rival Oklahoma.
KXAN reported that it's the second consecutive year UT serves as a regional host and is the current regional's No. 1 seed.
Sophomore shortstop Trey Faltine can't wait to hit the field.
“I think we’re all excited for this time of year,” Faltine told the station. “Obviously playoffs is bigger stage. Bigger moments. So that’s what we’ve been waiting for all year.”