Murphy Stehly sums up Texas mindset heading into Super Regional elimination game

Murphy Stehly and the Texas Longhorns are fighting for their season following a game one Super Regional loss to East Carolina 13-7. A loss in game two will effectively end Stehly’s season and possibly his college career if the redshirt senior opts not to return for his extra season of eligibility.

His .374 batting average is good for second best on the Texas lineup. In 98 hits this season, Murphy managed to hit 22 doubles (one triple) and 19 home runs – a vital part of the Longhorns efforts in the box and a key piece to secure a victory in Saturday’s elimination game.

For that, he’s leading the charge into game two, giving his teammates some advice as to how they can even the series against the Pirates.

“Obviously it’s a must win,” Stehly said about game two. “You’ve just got to play your game, you can’t make it bigger than what it is. We’ve got to take it like it’s just any other game. Just slow it down and do our thing.”

Stehly came up big for the Longhorns in game one, going 2-4 at the plate with three RBIs, including a two-run home run in the first inning. He didn’t just dazzle the Pirates on the plate, he also proved why he’s one of the most exciting defenders to watch in all of college baseball.

Pirates third baseman Alec Makarewicz hit a foul ball down the third base line in the fifth inning. The ball was hooked foul and seemingly out play, but Stehly fell over the fence to make a ridiculous catch to the amazement of ESPN announcers Clay Matvick and Gregg Olson.

Even more impressive is that Stehly can make that type of play in the outfield, where it seems to rowdiest of East Carolina fans tend to sit belching obscenities and choice words to any opposing outfielder, though Stehly knows it isn’t personal.

“Oh, they’re fun,” Stehly said. “They’re a lot of fun. They’ll say some stuff, but it’s all it’s all good fun. It’s a great atmosphere like coach [Pierce] said. They bring the energy here, which is great to see.”

Now with their backs against the wall, the Longhorns are set to battle ECU once more Saturday at noon ET. A win forces a crucial game three, while a Pirate victory will send ECU to the College World Series to face off against the winner of the Super Regional series against Notre Dame and the top-ranked Tennessee Volunteers.