May 28, 2000
TEMPE, Ariz. - The Texas Longhorns (43-19) defeated top-seeded Arizona State 6-4 to force a final NCAA Regional Championship game tonight at 7 p.m.
The Longhorns sealed the victory behind the pitching of started Phil Seibel and reliever Charlie Thames. Seibel went six-plus innings allowing only three runs off five hits with six strikeouts. Thames earned his 19th save after allowing only one run on two hits with two strikeouts.
Texas started the scoring in the third inning getting three runs on three singles. With two Longhorns on base and no outs, shortstop Todd West grounded to the pitcher and reached on a fielder's choice after Sun Devil starting pitcher Jered Liebeck threw the ball away trying to get the out at the plate. The other two runs were scored on a RBI single and ground out.
ASU (44-14) came up with two runs in their half of the third on three singles. The Sun Devils wouldn't score again until they picked up a run in the seventh inning. ASU threatened in the bottom of the ninth scoring one run, but left two men on base to end the game.
Longhorns were led by left fielder Ben Emond who went 2-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored. Designated hitter Ryan Hubele was 2-for-2 with one RBI.
ASU's Liebeck picked up his second loss after allowing five runs on seven hits with one strikeout in four-plus innings.
The Sun Devils were led by centerfielder Jeff Duncan who went 3-for-5 with two RBI. Third baseman Mel Stocker was 2-for-4 with one run scored.
| Texas | 003 | 020 | 100 | - | 6 | 14 | 1 |
| Texas | 002 | 010 | 101 | - | 4 | 7 | 2 |
WP - Seibel (5-1), LP - Liebeck (2-2), Save - Thames (19)
Time: 2:46 Attendance: 2, 325