Texas refused to let its season end on Monday afternoon at Charles Schwab Field, riding a historic performance from Adrian Rodriguez and a dominant outing on the mound to eliminate Alabama with a convincing 14-2 victory in a Men’s College World Series elimination game.
The Longhorns entered the contest battered and bruised after a grueling season, but they showed remarkable resilience as several key players battling injuries helped power Texas to one of its most impressive performances of the year.
The win keeps Texas alive in Omaha and guarantees at least one more game for the Longhorns, who will face the loser of Monday night’s matchup between Oklahoma and Georgia on Tuesday evening.
Rodriguez, who has played through pain in an injured left hand throughout the entire 2026 season, delivered a performance for the College World Series record books. The veteran slugger became just the third player in College World Series history to hit for the cycle, reaching base in all five of his plate appearances while driving in seven runs.
He got Texas rolling early with a two-run double in the first inning before adding what was initially scored as a single in the second. Rodriguez later singled in the fifth inning and launched a towering home run in the sixth to complete what was believed to be a spectacular day at the plate.
The historic achievement became official after a scoring change. On his second-inning drive into the left-center field gap, two Alabama outfielders converged on the ball but neither attempted a catch, each apparently expecting the other to make the play. The official scorer originally ruled the play a single and an error. After further review, the ruling was changed to a triple, giving Rodriguez the cycle retroactively.
Not content with merely making history, Rodriguez added another RBI double down the line in the eighth inning to cap a remarkable offensive display.
The cycle marked the second by a Texas player this season after Aiden Robbins accomplished the feat in February, further highlighting the offensive firepower that has fueled the Longhorns throughout the year.
While Rodriguez starred at the plate, Texas received exactly what it needed from starting pitcher Riojas. The right-hander delivered six strong innings, allowing just two runs while striking out seven Alabama hitters. He consistently worked out of trouble and prevented the Crimson Tide from mounting any meaningful comeback.
Texas’ bullpen then took over and slammed the door shut. Brody Walls, Ethan Walker, and Cody Howard combined to record the final nine outs, holding Alabama scoreless over the final three innings. The efficient relief effort allowed the Longhorns to preserve their top high-leverage arms as they attempt the daunting task of winning three consecutive elimination games to reach the championship series.
The Longhorns’ offense provided plenty of breathing room throughout the afternoon, piling up 14 runs against Alabama pitching and turning the game into a rout. Every key hit seemed to come from players who have battled through adversity during the stretch run of the season, underscoring the determination that has kept Texas alive.
For Alabama, the loss ended a strong postseason run and brought its College World Series appearance to a close. The Crimson Tide struggled to contain Texas’ relentless lineup and never recovered after the Longhorns built an early lead.
Now, Texas turns its attention to another must-win contest. The road to the Men’s College World Series finals remains difficult, but behind a historic day from Rodriguez and a complete team effort, the Longhorns earned the right to keep fighting for at least one more day in Omaha.
