Last week, the Texas Longhorns took on Oklahoma in one of their biggest SEC battles of the year. In a series full of unforgettable moments, Texas got stellar contributions from multiple players. That list included ace Ruger Riojas, who was named the SEC Co-Pitcher of the Week on Monday.
Against the Sooners, Riojas struck out eight batters in seven scoreless innings. As the Texas native recorded his fifth win of the season in impressive fashion, he etched his name into the history books. He became the first Longhorn to post a complete game shutout since Pete Hansen in 2002. It was another example of why Riojas is one of the best pitchers in the country.
your @SEC Pitcher of the Week 🤘#HookEm | @RugerRiojas_19pic.twitter.com/N4qx93D2NR
— Texas Baseball (@TexasBaseball) March 30, 2026
Monday also marked the second time Riojas has won the honor. The first time came last March when the talented right-hander ended the month by mowing down hitters. On a team with national title hopes, Riojas has been a model of excellence regardless of who he is facing.
Through 39.2 innings this season, the Wimberley High alum has posted a 1.59 ERA and struck out a career-high 64 batters. He has also been hard to barrel up, holding opponents to a .193 batting average. With the MLB Draft just a few months away, Riojas is raising his stock every time he takes the mound.
With Rioja’s latest honor in the books, the Longhorns now have four SEC honors this year. The other players who have added to their trophy cases are Dylan Volantis, Temo Becerra, and Sam Cozart. That list should grow as Texas has one of the most talented rosters in the country.
#2 Texas destroys #8 Oklahoma 14-0 and earns their 7th run rule of the year.
That is their largest shutout win vs. Oklahoma in program history 👀 pic.twitter.com/ni4bOqjeEw
— College Baseball News (@CollegeBSBNews) March 27, 2026
With the regular season far from over, Riojas has plenty of time to add to his trophy case while leading the Longhorns’ pitching staff.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Texas baseball pitcher Ruger Riojas wins SEC Co-Pitcher of the Week
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