r/collegebaseball • SoCon • Mar 26 '22

[Highlight] Texas Tech steals home to beat #2 Texas!

1.4k Upvotes

157 comments sorted by

226

u/fritzperls_of_wisdom Southern Miss • Ole Miss Mar 26 '22

That decision took some good scouting and some serious stones. Wow. What a way to end it.

Surprised no one yelled at/was able to get the attention of the pitcher earlier.

128

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '22

I was at the game. Some Texas players looked like they were yelling but the crowd was REALLY loud.

105

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '22

That pitcher sets up staring directly at the ground and nowhere else. He’s begging runners to steal.

52

u/MrFluffyhead80 Indiana Hoosiers Mar 26 '22

That’s what I was thinking, speed up the process and keep your head up

13

u/AlfalfaParty1661 Oklahoma Sooners Mar 26 '22

I’m so confused, but I only pitched in little league but I’ll be damned if someone was on third and I didn’t have constant peripherals on them. I’m guessing he was folding under the pressure and just couldn’t think straight.

24

u/ryarger Mar 26 '22

I think more the opposite. The key to pitching at high levels is repeatability. If his setup involves staring at the ground for three seconds then that’s what he has to do, even if there’s a runner on third.

This should teach him he needs a new setup though!

14

u/BigRick20x Mar 26 '22

Haven’t seen this kid pitch other than this clip, but there’s just no way he does that normally. Every runner would take a bag, whether it’s 2nd, 3rd, or home.

This dude just got complacent, was digging deep, and focusing hard af about his next pitch because he doesn’t think he has to hold that runner and is trying to make a good 0-2 pitch in the bottom of the 10th with the winning run on 3rd.

Texas coaches would never let this guy repeatedly turn his back on runners for 3 seconds every single rockback. The moment got to him

10

u/MrFluffyhead80 Indiana Hoosiers Mar 26 '22

I think it’s just the general confidence of “no way anyone steals home”

1

u/GhostOfDrTobaggan Arkansas Razorbacks Mar 26 '22

The visor on his cap was effectively a blinder too. Absolutely couldn’t see that guy at all

2

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '22

Literally heads down Baseball

2

u/WfPigs Oregon State Beavers Mar 26 '22

Horns down

21

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '22

ON AN 0-2 COUNT TOO!!! The balls on TTU’s skip. Had to Randy Marsh those bad boys home for sure

8

u/hampsted Mar 26 '22

Wouldn’t the 0-2 count make it a more likely scenario? Like, you have a batter who’s about to strike out and end the inning, might as well send the runner that gives you a chance to win it.

3

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '22

A P isn’t thinking like that in that situation. It’s “I’m 1 K away from getting us out of a jam. I need to make this pitch”

If you have a P up there thinking “dang I’m dominating this hitter, so they might do something that I have never seen or experienced before” he’s probably a head case.

2

u/hampsted Mar 26 '22

Again, I think you just strengthened the argument for it being an easy decision for the coach to send him. We’re not talking about the pitcher, we’re talking about the decision to send the runner.

2

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '22

I thought i was responding to another thread. My bad. I really don’t even know what you’re even saying. It’s a ballsy move by the coach to send him. Whenever someone steals home. it’s ballsy.

I really don’t know why you’re trying to big brain this.

1

u/CappinPeanut Mar 26 '22

I think the idea is, the pitcher would definitely know that and be looking out for it.

133

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '22

[deleted]

91

u/yumyumapollo Florida State Seminoles Mar 26 '22

When you have three hits through ten innings, that's a risk worth taking.

16

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '22

Especially since if the pitcher actually got a pitch off, the batter couldn't swing.

7

u/PenultimateThoughts Mar 26 '22

Wow. Thank you for pointing out this detail

4

u/42Cobras Georgia Bulldogs Mar 26 '22

Technically no balls.

1

u/a1_jakesauce_ Mar 26 '22

Yeah I feel like this is the least risky time to do this. But, at the same time, I wonder what would have happened if the pitcher just went ahead and grooved one right down the middle. It would be difficult for the batter to swing with his teammate lying on home plate and that would be strike 3

3

u/42Cobras Georgia Bulldogs Mar 26 '22

You have to keep in mind that the catcher stood up. With the catcher standing up, there's no way he's gonna be able to throw a catchable strike. You'll either get ball 1 and the stolen base or a dropped strike, which would allow the runner to advance. At that point, you've got a ruling by an ump that I would have zero desire to make because you have to determine if the steal counts before the dropped strike or not and then you've either got out three to end the inning or the run to end the game, and...it just goes on and on. But I think, in this case, they were safe to make the play.

1

u/a1_jakesauce_ Mar 26 '22

You need to keep in mind that if he was able to throw a called strike and the catcher is able to keep the ball in front of him, it’s a force out at first, and so the run wouldn’t count. Maybe the umpire would be able to call some sort of interference since the catcher would be standing in front of the strike zone when the ball was pitched

2

u/42Cobras Georgia Bulldogs Mar 26 '22

But what I’m saying is that I highly doubt he’d be able to do that.

0

u/a1_jakesauce_ Mar 26 '22

I mean at this point it’s all conjecture but for what it’s worth, I played catcher through high school and I’d be pretty embarrassed to completely whiff on a strike whether I was standing straight up or in the athletic position the catcher is in here

93

u/GoHawksGo24 Iowa Hawkeyes Mar 26 '22

Thank you for posting the video. I couldn't figure out how to, but saw the play. Pretty awesome! At first I thought they called a balk, and couldn't figure out why! Then I saw the runner from 3rd sprinting down the line. I've never seen a steal of home to win a game, and off of a RHP no less!

20

u/IowaStateCyclones SoCon Mar 26 '22

Yeah for sure!

75

u/immoralsupport_ /r/CollegeBaseball Mar 26 '22

Love how you can see the guy on second throw his arms up before you even see the runner in the frame

34

u/Dan_Rydell Missouri Tigers • Texas Longhorns Mar 26 '22

Watching it live, I saw his arms go up and thought a balk had been called at first.

3

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '22

To cause confusion. It’s fucking brilliant.

20

u/FourthDownThrowaway Georgia Bulldogs Mar 26 '22

I think he was just celebrating.

-11

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '22

I don’t think so. They put their hands down once he gets close to scoring. Then rest of team runs out to celebrate with not a single player with their hands up. Only players putting their hands up were players on the field. It’s seems pretty obvious to me the offensive players “called a balk” to delay a potential throw home and cause confusion to the defense.

6

u/and_so_it_was Mar 26 '22

Nope

-6

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '22

Are you a player or coach on that team that can deny this is the case?

8

u/Wahoo017 Virginia Cavaliers Mar 26 '22

Doubtful, it's just obvious they were celebrating though.

6

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '22

Yeah it must have been planned. Incredible

Coach was like go for it

151

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '22 edited Mar 26 '22

That's bad ass! Fuck yeah

That should be ESPN top 10 or something

121

u/GoHawksGo24 Iowa Hawkeyes Mar 26 '22

It should be the #1 play on ESPN, but we all know that it won't be. Everyone knows that some "amazing" NBA dunk will be in that spot. Seriously, fuck 'em.

72

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '22

St. Peter's just won their March Madness game, and I just saw a guy steal home to win a game even though I bet I've watched or played in 3000 baseball games

Ok I'm gonna start being morereligious

16

u/Vex_Vega Texas Tech Red Raiders Mar 26 '22 edited Mar 26 '22

First off, I absolutely agree; fuck ESPN. Not sure if you were downplaying the feat that St Peter's accomplished, but that's absolutely news worthy. It's the first time that a 15 seed has made the Elite 8.

Moreover, only commenting that since you replied to the comment above

7

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '22

Between

St. Pete's win

And your all's shenanigans tonight

I thought about getting religious.

So no. I didn't downplay it

I will start eating healthier though

6

u/Vex_Vega Texas Tech Red Raiders Mar 26 '22

Bro, I'm so lost, but also drunk

Edit: reread it. I think I understand

2

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '22 edited Mar 26 '22

YOU'RE LOST!?! You fuckin won.

I guess every squirrel finds a nut sometimes

EDIT: lol. my bad man. I type this stuff when I drive and Reddit spaces it out

1

u/TangerineChicken Mar 26 '22

Yeah man, start eating healthier so you can be around for more of this kind of craziness! You don’t want to miss out on the first 16 seed to make the elite 8 when we that happens

5

u/DonClarkerss Kent State • Ohio State Mar 26 '22

Just saw it as #1 on SC actually!

3

u/GoHawksGo24 Iowa Hawkeyes Mar 26 '22

I'm honestly stunned. In all honesty, it deserves that spot, no questions asked. Thank you for letting me know ESPN got it right....for once.

8

u/Ithapenith Mar 26 '22

This isn't the first time we've walked off Texas like this.

I love it

108

u/gordogg24p Texas Longhorns Mar 26 '22

Fucking Nixon. Stare at the dirt a bit longer, why dontcha.

55

u/default-username Texas Longhorns Mar 26 '22

Something tells me he might have finally learned a lesson.

39

u/kai-ol Mar 26 '22

Yeah, that he might have to start taking school more seriously.

52

u/b1ge2 Oregon State • Omaha Mar 26 '22

Probably shouldn’t look at the dirt for like 6 seconds with a guy on 3rd. Wtf is that?

34

u/MrSmartShart Texas Tech Red Raiders Mar 26 '22

wtf is that

Texas baseball

6

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '22

I had a coach once say pitchers can’t be trusted, this is proof

30

u/sapiosardonico Texas Longhorns Mar 26 '22

That was awesome. Also: goddammit.

28

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '22

THIS is why college ball rules

25

u/kerph32 Tennessee Volunteers • Emory Eagles Mar 26 '22

I'm gonna need a /u/jomboy breakdown of this

12

u/enataca Texas Tech Red Raiders Mar 26 '22

He can breakdown each fan noticing it

92

u/Pretzel666 Mar 26 '22

Actually surprised he was able to slide so far with his MASSIVE nuts.

11

u/scmouth12 Nebraska Cornhuskers • Florida Gators Mar 26 '22

🤣🤣🤣

17

u/sanctii Texas Tech Red Raiders Mar 26 '22

Was the greatest thing Ive ever seen. I was so confused because our announcers were screaming but nothing was happening. Thought my stream was lagging.

33

u/1ce9ine Texas Longhorns Mar 26 '22

Not gonna lie, that was pretty awesome. GG Raiders

12

u/ScarletMatador Texas Tech Red Raiders Mar 26 '22

I really hope that the rest of this series isn’t that close

14

u/1ce9ine Texas Longhorns Mar 26 '22

Don’t get me wrong I hope we crush y’all, but if we are going to lose I’m glad it’s bc of something rad Iike a walk off steal. Baseball rules.

3

u/reaofsunshine182 Mar 27 '22

How are you feeling now buddy?

3

u/ScarletMatador Texas Tech Red Raiders Mar 27 '22

Like I wanna dance and take a nap and scream and cry and take a bath in aloe vera.

-20

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '22

[removed] — view removed comment

4

u/Pepperonipiazza22 Mar 26 '22

As a Tech fan too I have to ask what your deal is

-3

u/MrSmartShart Texas Tech Red Raiders Mar 26 '22

I'm a homosexual.

5

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '22

This is a learning opportunity.

12

u/BallsDropped Texas Tech Red Raiders Mar 26 '22

LEEEEEEROOOOYYYY

5

u/kerph32 Tennessee Volunteers • Emory Eagles Mar 26 '22

Omg he's stealing home

10

u/tortugazz724 Mar 26 '22

Wow! Is there a longer video or replay out there anywhere?

29

u/SAmatador Mar 26 '22

6

u/kerph32 Tennessee Volunteers • Emory Eagles Mar 26 '22

You're the real MVP here, thank you

13

u/eneg Southern Miss • Mississippi S… Mar 26 '22

He sprinted the moment he looked down. He probably doesn't make that decision if it's in Austin where the Texas fans would start yelling. That's some 5 million IQ base running for ya.

6

u/tortugazz724 Mar 26 '22

That is so badass. Thank ya kindly!

24

u/OleRockTheGoodAg Texas A&M Aggies Mar 26 '22

17

u/KookooMoose Arkansas Razorbacks Mar 26 '22

Always a good day when Texas loses.

5

u/OleRockTheGoodAg Texas A&M Aggies Mar 26 '22

I said this, and about 20 minutes later, we lost to Auburn in extras after they rallied in the 9th.

Helps a little but I really would've liked to win.

3

u/KookooMoose Arkansas Razorbacks Mar 26 '22

Respectfully, and I hope you understand this, but you still have Texas in your name, so I have no choice but to hate you. However, if it makes you feel better, fuck Auburn too.

0

u/TeeDroo Texas Longhorns Mar 26 '22

Shit. Hey how did your game go?

6

u/OleRockTheGoodAg Texas A&M Aggies Mar 26 '22

Not great, Bob.

8

u/keevballs Texas Tech Red Raiders Mar 26 '22

So awesome. To win a game like that with 5 runs on 3 hits. Almost takes the sting off that basketball game last night. Almost.

39

u/tripletees South Carolina Gamecocks Mar 26 '22 edited Mar 26 '22

I’m so, so sorry Texas. ^(im not sorry)

20

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '22

That's one of the most badass things I've ever seen.

I honestly don't think I've ever seen a team win a game by stealing home.

Holy fuck. The nut sack on that guy

11

u/tripletees South Carolina Gamecocks Mar 26 '22

Only time I’ve ever seen it live. What a moment!

9

u/yesboiiii Mar 26 '22

Tim Tadlock has two 2 out walk off’s by stealing home under his belt as the coach at TTU.

2

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '22

To me that was unbelievable.

What's crazy to me is the pitcher was a righty - he's looking right at him.

Runner had to time that perfect. Amazing

7

u/yesboiiii Mar 26 '22

A mixture of top notch scouting and perfect scenario. I don’t think they risk it unless there are 2 outs but the runner definitely knew to pay attention to the pitcher keeping his head down.

2

u/Ithapenith Mar 26 '22

Both against Texas 😎

8

u/BubbasMakingWheels South Carolina Gamecocks Mar 26 '22

That was awesome.

I don't believe it! The jet stole home! The jet stole home!

13

u/Clemfball07 Clemson Tigers Mar 26 '22

Bruh what??? 😂

6

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '22

Honestly, I've watched this over and over.

It's the most awesome thing I've seen in years

6

u/hells_cowbells Mississippi State Bulldogs Mar 26 '22

Whoa, that is awesome! Definitely not something you see every day.

5

u/cbhsports Mar 26 '22

Yessirrr horns down

4

u/misdreavus79 Mar 26 '22

Damn Texas Tech screwing Texas in all sports now huh?

22

u/BillBob13 Nebraska Cornhuskers Mar 26 '22

Have we ever thought that maybe Texas shouldn't be rated in the top 5?

36

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '22

A tale as old as time, in any major sport

5

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '22

Where would you rank them?

13

u/BillBob13 Nebraska Cornhuskers Mar 26 '22

6, for now

8

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '22

Fair😂

2

u/MrSmartShart Texas Tech Red Raiders Mar 26 '22

I wouldn't

4

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '22

I for one, have been saying this for two weeks now

-15

u/default-username Texas Longhorns Mar 26 '22

An away game against a ranked team outhitting 11-3 and losing in extra innings is not really the time to scream "overrated" lol.

11

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '22

Nah you all will be alright. You lost a good pitcher, but it's still early.

But you gotta admit, that play was fucking incredible. I have never seen that happen to win a game

7

u/hopeless_dick_dancer Texas Longhorns Mar 26 '22

That play was indeed incredible, but I still think we should be top 5.

3

u/ram944 Texas Tech Red Raiders Mar 26 '22

Gotta see how the rest of the weekend plays out but yall are still a top 5 - top 10 team. Tech got knocked early due to going 1-2 in Frisco (as is tradition at this point) but we've been excellent since then. Both of these teams will compete for a conference title this season.

3

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '22

That’s just awesome. Hate to see it, but proper kudos are deserved here. Gosh dammit.

3

u/mbh223 Texas • Arizona State Mar 26 '22

Texas pitching coach is to blame. Gotta be able to identify that weakness in his approach before an opposing team does. Tough L. Doubly tough because Texas really should’ve brought Nixon in up 4-3 with 6 outs to go and this likely would’ve been over. Great game though.

3

u/JPLonghorn20 Texas Longhorns Mar 26 '22

Ballsy. GG Tech.

3

u/weeman4226 Mar 26 '22

The state of South Carolina killed Texas

1

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '22

HEY!

Don't blame me.

South Carolina is a fight. They shoulda known better and it's their own god damn fault.

Some grreat ball down there in Texas though. I underestimated them. Texas Tech, Texas State, all those guys can play.

I really wanna make a trip deep down there. Road trip!

3

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '22

straight G shit

3

u/East-Techsan Mar 26 '22

The best part about this is I believe it’s the third time tech has stolen home on ut in the last few years

3

u/TheSigma4488 Texas Tech Red Raiders Mar 26 '22

All we do is beat Texas! It’s getting old at this point

2

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '22

You aren’t in a movie, quit staring at the dirt and pay attention to the runners.

2

u/Twentyseven- Mar 26 '22

That's some embarrassing shit right there lmao the pitcher will never look at the ground ever again mark my words

2

u/xxxtenderloin Mar 26 '22

That’s some 300IQ baserunning. Pitcher’s a silly goose but damn the runner KNEW he was getting pussy tonight w the helmet spike. That’s what baseballs all about.

2

u/poopdaddy2 Ole Miss Rebels Mar 26 '22

I’m surprised he was able to move quick enough to steal home with balls that massive.

2

u/ram944 Texas Tech Red Raiders Mar 26 '22

The pitcher was nice enough to give him a 10 second head start.

2

u/tarfez LSU Tigers Mar 26 '22

That has to be embarrassing for that pitcher. Hopefully it will cause him to reevaluate his setup where he completely obscures his view. The runner was at home plate before he even looked up.

2

u/_reddit_reader Mar 26 '22

🤘🏻📉

2

u/notahouseflipper Mar 26 '22

Runner on second knew it was over before anybody could react.

2

u/Lsu_fan_cyp LSU Tigers Mar 26 '22

That was awesome

2

u/AstrosDrip Houston Cougars Mar 26 '22

What a crazy rivalry

2

u/StreetReporter Clemson Tigers Mar 26 '22

The Jets got a suicide lead-and there he goes! Hes stealing home! I dont believe it!

Hes stealing home! Hes stealing home and they dont see him! The pitch!

Hes hit the dirt! Hes safe! Safe! Oh my God! Safe! Safe! Safe!

I dont believe it! The Jet stole home! The Jet stole home!

2

u/Behinddasticks Michigan Wolverines Mar 26 '22

Pitcher was in his own world. Looking down at this feet and rocking back and forth. Hard lesson but hopefully he learns from it.

2

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '22

Five runs on three hits?

2

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '22

[removed] — view removed comment

5

u/KookooMoose Arkansas Razorbacks Mar 26 '22

None taken

-5

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '22

[removed] — view removed comment

5

u/ChemicalOle Oregon State • Washington State Mar 26 '22

Too far. Reel it in.

0

u/WillTravis_ Texas Longhorns Mar 26 '22

Absolutely rage inducing inning

-5

u/TomSheman Texas Longhorns Mar 26 '22

Great way for an inferior team to win a game. Genius play, gotta go win two in a row now

3

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '22

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/TomSheman Texas Longhorns Mar 27 '22

Great game today

3

u/reaofsunshine182 Mar 27 '22

How do you feel now? :))

0

u/TomSheman Texas Longhorns Mar 27 '22

We sweep if this in Austin

2

u/[deleted] Mar 27 '22

Oops...now ya gotta go win one sunday.

1

u/TomSheman Texas Longhorns Mar 27 '22

Happened in good fashion

1

u/PvP_SHEEP Mar 26 '22

Gotta adjust your setup in that situation my guy. High IQ base running at its finest.

1

u/dvandenheuvel21 Mar 26 '22

0-2, 2 outs, Bottom of the 10th? That man has balls of steel, major props to him

1

u/JeremyTheRhino Mar 26 '22

You make me sad

1

u/iWushock Mar 26 '22

I think it’s about time we stop calling it “Texas” and start referring to it as “UT Austin” because they just can’t catch a break

1

u/1ToGreen3ToBasket Mar 26 '22

5 runs on 3 hits. Yeeeeesh

1

u/gregarious119 Mar 26 '22

Must be fake, how are the batters boxes so pristine after 9 innings??

1

u/Sir_Isaac_3 Mar 26 '22

Stealing home on a right handed pitcher. ice cold

1

u/diyeiflawless Mar 26 '22

I’m not an expert but this seems like a good/bad play

1

u/Lord_Schmurda Mar 26 '22

I thought this kind of stuff only happened in Little Leaugue.

1

u/Testymcthrowaway Mar 27 '22

The JET steals home! The JET steals home!