Vaqueros Kick Off Season with Thrilling Win Over Kansas
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros baseball team began the 2026 season with a 7-4 victory over the Kansas Jayhawks on Friday, February 13th, at UTRGV Baseball Stadium. A sellout crowd of 5,862 – the sixth-largest in program history and the largest on opening day – witnessed the exciting contest.
Offensive Power Leads UTRGV
Senior Thomas Williams spearheaded the Vaqueros’ offense, going 2-for-3 with a home run, a double, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Junior Chayton Fischer also contributed with a 2-for-2 performance, including a hit by pitch and a run.
Early Lead and Kansas Response
Kansas jumped to an early lead with a leadoff home run by Jordan Bach. Bach extended the Jayhawks’ advantage to 2-0 with an infield RBI-single in the second inning. Though, UTRGV quickly responded, capitalizing on a series of walks and a hit by pitch in the bottom of the second to take a 4-2 lead. Williams then added a home run in the third, increasing the Vaqueros’ lead to 5-2.
Bach’s Strong Performance and UTRGV’s Late Surge
Despite the loss, Jordan Bach had a standout game for Kansas, going 4-for-5 at the plate. The Jayhawks narrowed the gap in the fourth inning with a rally, bringing the score to 5-4. UTRGV solidified their victory in the fifth, with Armani Raygoza hitting a leadoff home run and Williams adding an RBI-double to make it 7-4.
Dominant Relief Pitching Seals the Win
UTRGV’s sophomore Harrison Thayer delivered a stellar performance in relief, pitching 5.0 scoreless innings, striking out three, and allowing only two hits and one walk. He secured the win for the Vaqueros.
#RallyTheValley Week and Upcoming Game
The Vaqueros will continue their series against Kansas on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. As part of #RallyTheValley Week. The event will feature fan engagement activities, including prizes for the most spirited fans, coupons from Whataburger, and a flower bar.
FAQ
Q: Where was the game played?
A: UTRGV Baseball Stadium in Edinburg, Texas.
Q: What was the final score?
A: UTRGV 7, Kansas 4.
Q: Who was the winning pitcher?
A: Harrison Thayer.
Q: How can I purchase tickets for future games?
A: Tickets are available at UTRGVTickets.com.
Don’t miss the action! Check out RallyTheValley.com for more information on game day, parking, and the clear bag policy.
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