UTRGV Vaqueros Baseball Kicks Off 2026 Season with Exciting 7-4 Victory over Kansas Jayhawks
RIO GRANDE VALLEY – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros baseball team marked the start of their 2026 season with an impressive 7-4 win against the Kansas Jayhawks on Friday evening. Held at the UTRGV Baseball Stadium, the event attracted a sellout crowd of 5,862 fans, setting a record as the largest attendance for an opening day in program history.
Stellar Performances from Key Players
Senior Thomas Williams was the offensive standout for the Vaqueros, going 2-for-3 at the plate. His performance included a home run, a double, and a combined total of two runs batted in (RBIs) alongside two runs scored. The team’s overall performance saw junior Chayton Fischer contribute significantly as well, finishing 2-for-2 with a hit by pitch and a run scored.
The game kicked off with momentum on Kansas’s side as Jayhawk player Jordan Bach hit a home run on the second pitch. However, the Vaqueros responded strategically, leveraging a series of walks and timely hits to take control.
A Game of Comebacks
In the pivotal second inning, after junior PSJA alum Julius Ramirez began the rally with a single, Fischer executed a perfect bunt to follow suit. Williams then drew an 11-pitch walk to load the bases, setting the stage for veteran Damien Whitfield to walk and score the team’s first runs. The Vaqueros took a crucial lead at 4-2 after a series of walks from players Rocco Garza Gongora, Diego Villescas, and Armani Raygoza.
Williams later extended the lead with a powerful home run in the third inning, putting the score at 5-2.
Pitching Dominance and Strategic Plays
After giving up hits to the first two batters he faced, senior pitcher Anthony Garcia rallied to strike out four consecutive batters and retired seven of eight in a commanding performance. However, the Jayhawks clawed back in the fourth with back-to-back doubles from Jordan Bach and Brady Ballinger, bringing the score closer at 5-4.
The Vaqueros answered in the fifth inning, with Raygoza launching a home run, followed by an RBI double from Williams to extend the lead to 7-4.
In a notable display of pitching, sophomore Harrison Thayer secured the victory with 5.0 scoreless innings of relief, yielding just two hits while striking out three batters.
Exciting Upcoming Events
As the series continues, UTRGV is set to face Kansas again on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. during the "Pack the Park" initiative, part of the week-long #RallyTheValley events. The first three fans exhibiting spirited enthusiasm will win prizes, and attendees can enjoy complimentary coupons from Whataburger, as well as a Southern Roots flower bar and photo opportunities on the concourse.
Ticket Information
Tickets for the game are currently available for purchase at UTRGVTickets.com. Current UTRGV students can receive free general admission by obtaining a digital ticket from GoUTRGV.com/StudentTickets and presenting their student ID at the gate. For more details on game day specifics, including parking, stadium maps, and the clear bag policy, fans are encouraged to visit RallyTheValley.com.
Live Broadcast Options
Fans unable to attend the game can catch the action live on ESPN+ within the U.S. or via Southland International for international audiences.
Get ready for an exhilarating season as the Vaqueros aim to build on this strong start!
