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Eric Kennedy hits moonshot home run, ties Game 1 vs. Stanford

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•06/10/23•

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Eric Kennedy (Will Gallagher/Inside Texas)

Time and time again, Eric Kennedy has come up in big moments this season for Texas. Certainly enough to get them to the Stanford Super Regional, facing off against a national seed. But the Longhorns expect more than that, wanting to reach the College World Series in Omaha.

Stanford got off to a better start, carrying a 2-0 lead into the top of the fifth inning. Kennedy then stepped up to the plate with a man on, facing a one-ball, no strike count. Then, a fastball came across the heart of the plate and was sent deep into left field.

Kennedy tied the game up, hitting a moonshot home run. Stanford pitcher Joey Dixon knew it was gone the moment the bat made contact, watching it fly into the left field trees.

You can watch the home run here.

Shortly after Kennedy’s home run, Dixon was pulled out of the game. Now, if Texas wants to go on and win, they will have to face off against Stanford’s bullpen. A lineup capable of putting together a few rallies, the Longhorns will be hoping Kennedy was just getting the party started.

A win in Game 1 is crucial when discussing advancing to the College World Series in Omaha. A slow start has now been erased by Kennedy. It’s a whole new ballgame in Palo Alto.

David Pierce proud of effort of Eric Kennedy this season

Saturday was home run No. 17 of the season for Kennedy, three more than last season. It’s his first of the postseason, coming in quite a clutch situation for Texas.

Head coach David Pierce was interviewed during the game an inning later and was asked about Kennedy coming up in big spots for the Longhorns — especially with the home runs. Pierce is happy with how Kennedy has worked this season and it’s paying off in a big way in a Super Regional.

“He just continues to put in the work,” Pierce said. “He can go in and out of his swing. He just fights, to be honest with you. And he’s got power. It’s just about being on time for EK.”

In what was an offseason of turnover this time last year for Texas, Kennedy was one of the few returning pieces in Austin. Pierce will be thankful for the decision in the long run, especially if more spectacular moments such as the home run occur.