The Homecoming

Updated: May 6, 2022

Aaron Nixon Posing for a Picture. Photo by Ruben Rodriguez, RSL

By Ruben Rodriguez
Rio Sports Live

The UTRGV Vaqueros played host to the #10 Ranked Texas Longhorns of the Big 12 Conference. While The Vaqueros and Longhorns are no strangers to each other, this game was more special. This matchup marked the Texas Longhorns’ first visit to Edinburg since 1971. This game also marked a special homecoming for former McHi Bulldog Aaron Nixon. A brief tale of the tap between Texas and UTRGV, The Longhorns and Vaqueros have faced off 59 times, with Texas leading the All-Time Series 53-6.

The Longhorns, who are coming off a great run in the 2021 College World Series, came into this matchup with an overall record of 30-13, and a 9-6 record in Big 12 Play. The Vaqueros were 23-16 overall and held a WAC Record of 9-9. Texas was looking to keep their win streak alive after a sweep over Baylor while the Vaqueros were coming off a series victory over Abilene Christian University.

Aaron Nixon warming up, Photo by Ruben Rodriguez, RSL

After a defensive start, the Longhorns got the scoring started in the Top of the second inning as Kimble Schuessler delivered an RBI single, bringing in Skyler Messinger who collected Texas’ first hit of the game with a standup double. Texas would later have a very productive fourth inning that saw an RBI single by Austin Todd and then a two-RBI Single by Ivan Melendez to make it a 5-0 lead.

Besides on offense, Texas was dominant defensively, holding UTRGV scoreless and hitless until the bottom of the 6th inning. Vaquero Second Baseman Diego Ramirez delivered an RBI single. Texas Would later pick up two more runs off back-to-back RBIs from Austin Todd and Ivan Melendez, who both had their second RBIs of the night. Texas would take the win 7-2 in front of a packed crowd.

The Highlight of the night came when Sophomore Pitcher Aaron Nixon would come in to get the final out of the game. The McHi Product entered to a standing ovation of 6, 418 Texas and UTRGV Fans.

UTRGV Pitcher J.C. Ariza, Photo by Ruben Rodriguez, RSL

“It was a great experience to play in front of my family and friends, I don’t get to come much anymore.” Nixon on taking the field back in the Valley. “The Valley will always be my home, I’m a Valley Boy for life, I loved seeing everyone again and it will be something i never forget.”

Aaron Nixon has been a core component of the Texas Bullpen in his first two seasons in the Burnt Orange of Texas. This Season, Nixon has an ERA of 3.09, and has recorded 31 strikeouts. Careerwise at Texas, the sophomore holds an ERA of 2.51, and has recorded 66 strikeouts.

Truly an amazing night for Baseball fans across the Rio Grande Valley. A Night that saw the return of RGV Product Aaron Nixon, and the Return of The Texas Longhorns to the Valley, The Vaqueros prepare for their next conference series against Tarleton State. Texas will resume Big 12 play against #8 ranked Oklahoma State.