For the first time since 2002, Texas shuts out a team over course of three-game series
Peyton Powell homered twice and Max Belyeu and Jalin Flores both supplied solo shots in a 7-0 win over Cal Poly for Texas at UFCU Disch-Falk Field on Sunday afternoon.
The seven-run win completed a weekend sweep for the Longhorns, who also held Cal Poly (2-5) without a run on Friday and Saturday. Texas (6-1) last posted three straight shutouts in 2015. It hasn't shut out a team over the course of a three-game series since UT-Pan American in 2002.
Powell hit a solo homer in the third inning Sunday, and he later added a two-run blast during a seventh inning that also featured Flores blasting a baseball over the Yeti Yard. Belyeu, who hit his first career home run Saturday, went deep again in the sixth inning.
"It's really exciting to see all of our teammates catch barrels and it seems like the energy is going good right now. We're all having a lot of fun," Belyeu said.
Those home runs were part of a well-rounded afternoon for Powell, Belyeu and Flores. With the aid of a solid tag by Powell, Belyeu threw out Jake Steels after the Mustangs leadoff hitter attempted to go from first to third base on a single to right field in the opening inning. Five innings later, Steels was called out at the plate after Flores successfully relayed a throw from left fielder Porter Brown from his shortstop position.
Those home run highlights and defensive gems supported a shutout effort from four Texas pitchers. Cody Howard was credited with the win after allowing seven hits over a five-inning start.
Over the weekend, Texas outscored Cal Poly by 15 runs. The Mustangs left Austin with 17 hits and 26 strikeouts.
"I'm so glad that our staff was able to go out and perform," Powell said. "All the starters did amazing; all the relief pitchers did amazing."
Texas will return to UFCU Disch-Falk Field on Tuesday to host St. John's. That will conclude the eight-game homestand that UT opened the 2024 baseball season with.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas baseball secures sweep by again shutting out Cal Poly Mustangs
