- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,129,469
- Reaction score
- 59
When the 2026 college baseball season began, expectations were high for Ruger Riojas. The Texas native showed signs of promise during the 2025 campaign. During his first stint as the Longhorns' ace, Riojas has taken his game to another level while pitching like one of the best players in the country.
Through his first four starts, Riojas has posted a 1.23 ERA while striking out 42 batters in 22 innings. He has held opponents to a .143 batting average and shown excellent control, only walking three batters. Regardless of the opponent, Rojas has been hard to face and given the Longhorns a chance to win.
While Rojas generated excitement about his future in his first season as a Longhorn, he has looked like a different player over the last few weeks. During the 2025 campaign, he posted a 5.61 ERA while splitting time between the rotation and the bullpen. So far this season, he has had to focus on one role, which is paying off.
One key to Rojas' success has been his improved control. During his sophomore season, the Longhorns' star walked 21 batters and allowed 12 home runs. While the 2026 campaign is far from over, Rojas is on pace to set new career lows in both categories.
As the Longhorns chase a national title, Rojas will be relied on heavily. Along with Dylan Volantis, Texas has two stars that can frustrate batters on a nightly basis. While the offense has been able to score runs at will, the pitching led by Rojas has been elite.
Over the next few months, Rojas will be a player to watch as his stock rises and the Longhorns move closer to ending their title drought.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Longhorns ace Ruger Riojas making name for himself early in season
Continue reading...
Through his first four starts, Riojas has posted a 1.23 ERA while striking out 42 batters in 22 innings. He has held opponents to a .143 batting average and shown excellent control, only walking three batters. Regardless of the opponent, Rojas has been hard to face and given the Longhorns a chance to win.
While Rojas generated excitement about his future in his first season as a Longhorn, he has looked like a different player over the last few weeks. During the 2025 campaign, he posted a 5.61 ERA while splitting time between the rotation and the bullpen. So far this season, he has had to focus on one role, which is paying off.
One key to Rojas' success has been his improved control. During his sophomore season, the Longhorns' star walked 21 batters and allowed 12 home runs. While the 2026 campaign is far from over, Rojas is on pace to set new career lows in both categories.
As the Longhorns chase a national title, Rojas will be relied on heavily. Along with Dylan Volantis, Texas has two stars that can frustrate batters on a nightly basis. While the offense has been able to score runs at will, the pitching led by Rojas has been elite.
Over the next few months, Rojas will be a player to watch as his stock rises and the Longhorns move closer to ending their title drought.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Longhorns ace Ruger Riojas making name for himself early in season
Continue reading...
