The UCSB Gauchos’ baseball season concluded with a hard-fought 6-4 loss to the University of Texas in the Austin Regional Final. The game, held in Austin, Texas, saw the Gauchos take an early lead but ultimately fall short due to late-game errors and strong performances by the Longhorns.

Local Talent Shines

Dos Pueblos High School alum Kellan Montgomery was a standout for UCSB, keeping the potent Texas lineup in check for much of the game. Montgomery allowed just two runs over 5 2/3 innings, striking out five batters and giving the Gauchos a fighting chance.

The Gauchos took an early 1-0 lead thanks to a solo home run by Rowan Kelly in the first inning. The teams traded runs in the sixth inning, with UCSB maintaining a slim 3-2 lead heading into the late stages of the game.

Late Game Challenges

However, Texas slugger Aiden Robbins turned the tide with a two-run home run off reliever Van Froling, marking his 23rd homer of the season and putting Texas ahead 4-3. The Longhorns extended their lead to 6-3 in the eighth inning, capitalizing on a throwing error by UCSB reliever AJ Krodel.

Despite the setback, the Gauchos continued to battle. In the bottom of the eighth, William Vasseur’s RBI groundout brought UCSB within two runs. The Gauchos had an opportunity to tie the game with runners on the corners, but a baserunning mistake cost them dearly. Pinch runner Max Stagg was caught stealing, and the inning ended with UCSB still trailing 6-4.

Final Efforts

In the ninth inning, UCSB showed resilience by loading the bases with no outs. However, Texas brought in left-handed pitcher Luke Harrison, who managed to secure the final out against UCSB’s top hitter, Rowan Kelly, ending the game and the Gauchos’ season.

With this loss, UCSB finishes the season with a 40-20 record, marking their 16th appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Texas, meanwhile, advances to the Super Regionals with a perfect 3-0 record in the regional tournament.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.