Amber Aniston • June 16, 2026

Texas Eliminates Alabama Behind Historic Cycle from Adrian Rodriguez

OMAHA, Neb. — Facing elimination at the Men’s College World Series, No. 6 Texas delivered one of the greatest offensive performances in program history Monday afternoon, defeating No. 7 Alabama 14–2 at Charles Schwab Field. Sophomore shortstop Adrian Rodriguez hit for the cycle and tied College World Series records with seven RBIs and 12 total bases, helping the Longhorns keep their national championship hopes alive.


The victory improved Texas to 46–14 and advanced the Longhorns to another elimination game against Georgia. Alabama fell to 42–21 and saw its season come to an end after reaching Omaha for the first time since 1999.


Rodriguez Makes College World Series History

The afternoon belonged to Adrian Rodriguez.



The Texas shortstop became just the third player in Men’s College World Series history to hit for the cycle, joining Minnesota’s Jerry Kindall (1956) and Tennessee’s Christian Moore (2024). Rodriguez finished a perfect 5-for-5 with two doubles, a triple, a home run, seven RBIs, and 12 total bases.


Rodriguez began his historic day with a two-run double in the first inning. He followed with a two-run triple in the second, added a single in the fifth, and completed the cycle with a towering two-run homer in the sixth inning.


He later added another RBI double in the eighth to cap one of the most dominant individual performances ever seen in Omaha.


Longhorns Jump on Alabama Early

Texas wasted little time taking control of the elimination game.


Rodriguez’s two-run double highlighted a three-run first inning that immediately put pressure on Alabama starter Zane Adams. Ethan Mendoza added an RBI hit during the rally as the Longhorns built an early advantage.


Texas continued its offensive surge in the second inning. Mendoza delivered another run-scoring hit before Rodriguez lined a two-run triple, extending the lead to 7–0 and effectively ending Adams’ afternoon after only 1.2 innings.


The Longhorns’ relentless approach prevented Alabama from ever recovering.


Riojas Delivers Strong Start

While the offense generated headlines, Texas also received an excellent performance from starting pitcher Ruger Riojas.


The senior right-hander worked six innings, allowing two runs while striking out seven batters. Riojas retired the final eight hitters he faced and consistently limited Alabama’s opportunities to generate momentum.


The outing came at a critical moment for Texas, which needed stability on the mound after its opening-round loss to Georgia.


Riojas provided exactly that, keeping the Crimson Tide offense quiet while the Longhorn lineup continued piling up runs.


Pack Adds Power to the Attack

Freshman outfielder Anthony Pack Jr. also delivered a memorable performance.


Pack collected three hits and drove in four runs, highlighted by a two-run home run during Texas’ four-run sixth inning. The blast marked his 12th homer of the season and made him the first Texas freshman to hit a home run in Omaha since 2002.


Combined with Rodriguez’s historic day, Pack helped fuel one of the highest-scoring games Texas has produced at the College World Series in decades.


The Longhorns scored eight runs with two outs and consistently capitalized on scoring opportunities throughout the game.


Alabama Unable to Recover

The Crimson Tide struggled to recover after Texas’ explosive start.


Starter Zane Adams allowed seven runs and seven hits while recording only five outs. Alabama’s pitching staff never found a way to slow the Longhorn offense, which produced 14 runs and multiple extra-base hits throughout the afternoon.


The Tide managed only two runs against Riojas and never seriously threatened after falling behind early.


Despite a strong postseason run that included a trip to Omaha, Alabama’s season ended against one of the most explosive offensive performances in College World Series history.


Mendoza Continues Strong Postseason

Texas received contributions throughout the lineup.


Mendoza recorded three hits and drove in runs during each of the first two innings. His production helped establish momentum before Rodriguez’s historic performance took center stage.


The Longhorn offense generated pressure from top to bottom, producing its highest-scoring College World Series game since 1992.


Nearly every hitter contributed during a dominant offensive display.


Texas Advances to Another Elimination Game

The victory allowed Texas to survive and continue its pursuit of a national championship.


After opening the College World Series with a loss to Georgia, the Longhorns responded with urgency and resilience. The win improved Texas’ all-time Men’s College World Series record to 89–66 and kept alive hopes of making a deep run through the elimination bracket.


Texas advanced to face Georgia in a rematch with a chance to avenge its opening-round defeat.


Historic Afternoon in Omaha

Rodriguez’s cycle immediately entered the record books as one of the most memorable performances in College World Series history.


His seven RBIs tied a Men’s College World Series single-game record, while his 12 total bases also matched the event record. Combined with Texas’ 14-run output, the performance became one of the defining moments of the 2026 tournament.


Final Takeaway

Texas’ 14–2 victory over Alabama was defined by historic offensive production, dominant pitching, and a record-setting performance from Adrian Rodriguez. The Longhorns responded to elimination pressure with one of the greatest games in program history and overwhelmed the Crimson Tide from the opening inning.


Alabama’s season came to an end after reaching the College World Series, while Texas earned another opportunity to continue its postseason journey.


With the win, the Longhorns advanced in Omaha and kept their national championship hopes alive.

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