Bert Auburn's Perfect Game Leads No. 7 Texas to a Dominating 57

A Historic Performance

In a stunning display of pitching dominance, Bert Auburn of the No. 7 Texas Longhorns threw a perfect game against the Baylor Bears on Friday night, leading his team to a 57-0 victory. Auburn, a junior right-hander, retired all 27 batters he faced, striking out nine and inducing 18 groundball outs. It marked the first perfect game in Longhorns history and the first by a Division I pitcher since 2012.

Dominating Performance

Auburn's dominance was evident from the get-go. He threw first-pitch strikes to 21 of the 27 batters he faced and never allowed a runner to advance beyond first base. His fastball consistently hit the upper 90s, and his changeup and slider were equally effective. Baylor hitters were completely overmatched, with only four balls hit out of the infield.

The Texas defense provided impeccable support behind Auburn, fielding every groundball cleanly and executing several highlight-reel plays. Catcher Silas Ardoin caught a foul ball behind the plate and made a diving tag at the plate to end the game.

Historical Significance

Auburn's perfect game was only the second in Big 12 Conference history, joining Texas A&M's Dustin Monk in 2001. It was also the first perfect game by a Texas pitcher since 1967, when Randy Matson threw one against the Oklahoma Sooners.

The performance propelled Auburn into the national spotlight and put Texas on the map as a College World Series contender. It also solidified Auburn's status as one of the nation's elite pitchers, with some experts now discussing him as a potential first-round pick in the MLB Draft.

Impact on the Longhorns

Auburn's perfect game was a major boost for the Longhorns, who improved their record to 20-3 and took a commanding lead in the Big 12 standings. The team's confidence soared after the performance, and they proceeded to sweep Baylor in the weekend series.

Head coach David Pierce praised Auburn's effort, saying, "That was the best pitching performance I've ever seen. He was absolutely in control from the first pitch." The perfect game also served as a springboard for the Longhorns, who have won 10 of their last 12 games.

Perspectives and Criticisms

While Auburn's performance was widely celebrated, some critics argue that it was overblown due to the weak competition. Baylor entered the game with a 4-17 record and had struggled offensively all season. Despite the criticism, Auburn's dominance was undeniable, and his performance remains a milestone in Texas baseball history.

Conclusion

Bert Auburn's perfect game was a truly remarkable feat that showcased the exceptional talent of the young pitcher and the potential of the No. 7 Texas Longhorns. His historic performance solidified his status as one of the nation's top pitchers and put Texas in the national championship conversation. While some may argue about the strength of the opposition, Auburn's perfect game is a testament to his skill, determination, and the power of athletics to inspire and unite.