Texas coach David Pierce on how Murphy Stehly lengthens Longhorns lineup behind Ivan Melendez

There’s no doubt about who is the best hitter in the Texas lineup with Ivan Melendez being the anchor. Setting the program record for single-season home runs this season, the Hispanic Titanic has guided the Longhorns to the College World Series alongside head coach David Pierce.

However, the unsung hero of the year has been Murphy Stehly. Pierce was asked about a moment when East Carolina decided to intentionally walk Melendez in order to get to Stehly. He said the infielder loves coming up to bat in those scenarios. According to Pierce, Stehly seems to have a certain type of confidence in himself where he thrives on being the underdog.

“Well, Murph feeds on that,” Pierce said. “He really does. It’s just a pride thing for Murph. That ‘you don’t think I’m good enough?’ He thinks he’s better than Ivan, trust me but that’s how you have to think. He has that mindset that it’s his opportunity. He’s always ready. Whether or not he gets it done, he’s always ready.”

In the decisive Game 3, Stehley had two RBIs and scored two runs of his own. He is hitting .375 on the season and has been behind Melendez for most of the season. While every team needs a star heading to Omaha, the unsung heroes can be just as, if not more, important.

Texas head coach David Pierce discusses weather delay frustrations

After the start of Game 3 of the Texas–ECU Super Regional on Sunday was pushed back an hour due to a weather delay, coach David Pierce and the Longhorns were eager to get going. Players trotted at on the field at 5:05 p.m. ET under cloudy skies but with the threat of lightning now seemingly gone.

However, moments later a second weather delay was called before the top of the first had even concluded. This one would last much longer, as teams would not be cleared resume until 10:15 p.m. ET. The game would ultimately go on well past 1 a.m. ET, with Texas claiming a 11-1 victory to advance to the College World Series.

“I was a little frustrated (with the delays),” Pierce said. “I think both of us were to start and play half an inning in less than 30 minutes in a Game 3 to go to Omaha. You’ve got pitchers that are hot on both teams. You’d like to have a better window. They looked at it and evidently it was fine. I don’t even really want to go there, but I’m glad we won. I’m glad for these guys.”