Stanford Walks Off with College World Series Berth After Heartbreaking Loss for Texas in NCAA Tournament Game

On Monday night, Stanford University’s Sunken Diamond saw a dramatic finish to the NCAA tournament game between Stanford and the University of Texas. With the score tied 6-6 in the bottom of the ninth inning, Stanford’s Drew Bowser lofted a fly ball to right-center field. Texas outfielders Dylan Campbell and Eric Kennedy were unable to track the ball in the twilight sky, and it fell untouched several feet in front of Campbell. This allowed Stanford’s Alberto Rios to score the winning run from second base, and the Cardinal celebrated their walk-off victory.

The loss was especially painful for the Longhorns, as the fly ball had all the earmarks of an easy, ninth-inning-ending popup. Texas right fielder Dylan Campbell was unable to locate the ball in the sky, and the sun cruelly set on Texas’ baseball season. Stanford, on the other hand, was thankful for the victory that came with an assist from “Mother Nature.”

“Before you ask me a question, I’m going to ask you a question,” Stanford coach David Esquer said after the game. “What did the sun do? It set. That’s what happened.”

The victory sends Stanford to the College World Series, while Texas’ season comes to a heartbreaking end. The Longhorns had a chance to win the game in the top of the ninth inning, but were unable to capitalize. The loss was a tough pill to swallow for the Longhorns, who were unable to take advantage of a golden opportunity to advance to the College World Series.

The dramatic finish to the game was a fitting end to a hard-fought contest between two teams vying for a spot in the College World Series. Despite the heartbreaking loss, the Longhorns can take solace in the fact that they put up a valiant effort against a tough Stanford team.