UTRGV Vaqueros Baseball Falls Short Against Kansas Jayhawks in Thrilling Finale
RIO GRANDE VALLEY – In a heart-pounding conclusion to their weekend series, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros baseball team narrowly lost to the Kansas Jayhawks, 8-7, during the series finale on Sunday. A remarkable crowd of 2,291 spectators gathered at UTRGV Baseball Stadium, marking the largest Sunday attendance in the program’s history.
Record-Breaking Weekend Attendance
The enthusiasm from the home crowd was palpable throughout the weekend, with a staggering total of 13,193 fans attending the three-game series. This turnout exceeded the previous record of 11,029, set during a conference series against Houston Christian University from March 21-23, 2025. Fans flocked to the stands, with 5,862 attending on Friday and 5,040 on Saturday.
Game Highlights and Key Performances
The game began with the Jayhawks taking an early lead, scoring four runs in the second inning. They capitalized on a loaded scenario, where Cade Baldridge began the scoring with an RBI fielder’s choice. Soon after, Landen Lozier lifted a sacrifice fly, Jordan Bach followed with a run-scoring single, and Brady Ballinger capped the inning with another RBI single, pushing the score to 4-1.
Not to be outdone, the Vaqueros displayed resilience. In the third inning, junior Armani Raygoza led with a walk, advanced following a wild pitch, and scored on Julius Ramirez’s RBI double. Moments later, Easton Moomau tied the game with a home run to right field.
The momentum shifted in the fourth inning, where Garza Gongora walked before Raygoza smashed a two-run home run, putting UTRGV ahead 6-4. However, the Jayhawks countered with a series of clutch plays, including an RBI single by Josh Dykhoff and a sixth-inning home run from Cade Baldridge, tying the contest at 6 runs apiece.
Dramatic Final Inning
With the game tied at 6 going into the eighth inning, the Vaqueros were poised for victory. However, the Jayhawks struck back, scoring two runs as the Vaqueros struggled defensively. Daren Barrera provided a pivotal moment when he hit two batters with pitches, ultimately allowing Kansas to capitalize with sacrifice flies from Ballinger and Augusto Mungarrieta, which pushed the score to 8-6.
In a gripping ninth inning, UTRGV fought valiantly to reclaim the lead. After a leadoff single from Rocco Garza Gongora and a subsequent single from Ramirez, the bases were loaded with two outs. Senior Thomas Williams drew a walk, putting the pressure on Kansas’s pitcher Caleb Deer, who managed to strike out one last batter to seal the victory for the Jayhawks.
Standout Players of the Game
Julius Ramirez shone brilliantly, finishing the game 3-for-5 with a home run, two RBIs, and scoring twice. Armani Raygoza also had a notable performance, ending the day 2-for-4 with a home run and contributing two RBIs alongside three runs scored.
What’s Next for UTRGV Baseball?
The Vaqueros’ next challenge awaits as they host Texas Tech on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. This match will be part of the ongoing #RallyTheValley Week, presented by McAllen International Airport. Fans are encouraged to show their support by wearing orange, which will enhance the energetic atmosphere.
Tickets for this highly anticipated matchup are already on sale, and purchasable online. Current UTRGV students can enjoy free general admission with a digital ticket, available at GoUTRGV.com/StudentTickets.
Fans eager to catch the action can stream the game live on ESPN+ or via Southland International for international viewers.
With the momentum of fan support and the determination shown in this thrilling series, UTRGV baseball is poised for exciting future contests.
