With another college baseball season in the books, it’s the perfect time to look back at one of the greatest games ever played—not just in Texas Longhorns history, but in all of NCAA baseball.

We’re talking about the epic, exhausting, and unforgettable 25-inning showdown between Texas and Boston College during the 2009 NCAA Regional Tournament. Played in front of a packed crowd at UFCU Disch-Falk Field, this marathon game became the stuff of legend—and still holds the record as the longest NCAA game by innings.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane and relive this incredible chapter in Longhorn baseball history.

Setting the Scene: Summer of 2009

It was June 6, 2009. The Longhorns, a perennial powerhouse, were hosting the Austin Regional in the NCAA Tournament. Facing off against Boston College, it was expected to be a hard-fought game—but no one could have predicted what was about to unfold.

As the sun set over Austin, the stage was set for a historic moment.

The Game That Wouldn’t End

The first pitch was thrown at 6:02 PM. The final out wasn’t recorded until 1:05 AM—more than seven hours later.

The scoreboard read 3-2, Texas, but those numbers barely tell the story.

• The game was tied at 2-2 from the 7th inning until the bottom of the 25th.
• Players dug deep into reserves of stamina and willpower.
• Fans, glued to every pitch, witnessed something they’d never forget.

Austin Wood: The Heart of the Game

The defining performance of the night—and perhaps of that entire NCAA postseason—belonged to senior pitcher Austin Wood.

• Coming in as a reliever, Wood delivered 13 innings of no-hit baseball.
• He threw 169 pitches, struck out 14 batters, and allowed just two hits in 13.2 total innings.
• His performance was gritty, gutsy, and downright legendary.

Following the game, Texas head coach Augie Garrido has to say this on Wood’s performance:

“That is the best pitching performance by an individual pitcher in the 41 years that I’ve coached. Austin Wood did unbelievable.”

It was a rare moment when toughness, trust, and talent all collided.

The Walk-Off That Sealed It

Finally, in the bottom of the 25th inning, with one out and a runner on second, Travis Tucker delivered the game-winning RBI single to bring home Connor Rowe. The crowd—what was left of it—erupted in celebration.

After nearly a full workday’s worth of baseball, the Texas Longhorns had outlasted Boston College in the longest game ever played in NCAA history.

Why This Game Still Matters

It’s not just about the number of innings or the time on the clock. This game symbolizes everything Texas Baseball stands for:

• Resilience under pressure
• An unshakeable belief in your teammates
• And a commitment to finish what you started

The 2009 season would go on to be special for the Longhorns, ending with a trip to the College World Series Finals. But for many fans, it’s this 25-inning battle that will always stand out.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Game

As we wrap up another college baseball season, it’s stories like these that remind us why we love the game. The Texas-Boston College marathon wasn’t just a game—it was a testament to the power of perseverance and the heart of a champion.

So here’s to the memories that still make our hearts race years later.

Here’s to Austin Wood, Augie Garrido, and every fan who stayed ’til the end.

Hook ‘Em, forever!