Texas State (5-2) is riding high off its series win against Gonzaga this past weekend. However, Tuesday brings in-state opponent UTSA in an I-35 rivalry showdown under the lights at Bobcat Ballpark.
Coming off a dominating 2025 season that saw UTSA just two wins away from an appearance in the College World Series in Omaha, the Roadrunners carried last year’s success into 2026 by showcasing their high-slugging offensive weekend sweep of Dallas Baptist. Their visit to San Marcos will be the first road test of the season.
“It’s definitely a game we’ve talked about in our meetings and everything,” freshman infielder Tanner Carson said. “We’ve prepared really well, and we’re excited to get back after it on Tuesday.”
Texas State owns the overall record over UTSA, with 63 wins against 42 losses. However, the Roadrunners have gotten the best of the Bobcats recently, winning three of the last four matchups dating back to 2024, all four being slugfests.
UTSA delivers at the plate, but they often allow a considerable amount of runs. The Roadrunners gave up 19 runs alone this past weekend against Dallas Baptist, which sets up well for Bobcat hitters, who are sporting a massive .491 slugging percentage.
Texas State has pitchers getting the job done to start off the young season, with the third-best team ERA in the Sun Belt, as well as giving up the third least amount of hits in 2026, along with a tight defense that leads the SBC with a .985 fielding percentage.
On the flip side, UTSA’s pitching staff currently boats a 4.29 ERA, giving up 30 earned runs in 63.0 innings throughout its first seven games.
While UTSA might be below average on the mound, the Roadrunners make up for it at the plate, swinging a collective .374 as a team, a mark placing them in the top-10 nationwide.
The Roadrunners are also slugging a huge .551, meaning over half of their hits go for extra bases.
Both the Bobcat and Roadrunner offenses have what it takes again this year to turn the game into a slugfest once again. If both sides come out hot, fans could be in for some major in game fireworks.
“We are gonna pack [Bobcat Ballpark] out this year,” head coach Steven Trout said. “They’ve got a really good team, so we look forward to [the matchup].”
The latest chapter of the I-35 Showdown is slated for Tuesday, Feb. 23, at 6:05 p.m. at Bobcat Ballpark. The game will be available to stream on ESPN+.
