AUSTIN, Texas — No. 4 Texas put the tying tally on first and brought the game-winning run to the plate in the ninth, but No. 10 Mississippi State held off the Longhorns to even the series with a 7-4 win at UFCU Disch-Falk Field on Saturday afternoon.
Adrian Rodriguez sparked the rally in the final frame, socking a solo shot into the YETI Yard in left-center field.
After Texas (34-10, 14-8 SEC) loaded the bases, Aiden Robbins mounted a two-out, two-run single to pull the Longhorns within one swing of the Bulldogs (36-11, 14-9 SEC).
The next pitch, Mississippi State left-hander Dane Burns hit Carson Tinney with a slider.
Working with the bases full once again, Burns bounced back with a punchout to lock down the victory.
The Bulldogs raced ahead in the seventh and eighth by scoring six runs across the two frames.
With two outs in the seventh, Kevin Milewski delivered a go-ahead RBI single to push the visitors back in front.
Two pitches later, Drew Wyers whacked a three-run blast to left, ballooning the lead to 5-1.
Mississippi State tacked on pair in the eighth, capitalizing on a leadoff free pass. Jacob Parker produced a run-scoring ground out before Bryce Chance capped off the outburst with an RBI double into the left-field corner.
In the defeat, Temo Becerra recorded a co-career-best four hits. Meanwhile, Casey Borba launched his co-career-best 12th home run of the year, matching his total from his sophomore season.
Left-hander Jack Bauer (4-0) picked up the win, tossing 2 1/3 scoreless in relief. Bauer registered three strikeouts and walked four.
The Longhorns will look to win their sixth rubber game in eight tries on Sunday. First pitch is slated for 1 p.m. at UFCU Disch-Falk Field.
