Historic CWS Cycle
Texas' Adrian Rodriguez Hits for Cycle, Shatters Records in Dominant CWS Win
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Texas sophomore shortstop Adrian Rodriguez hit for the cycle and drove in seven runs Monday, leading the Longhorns to a 14-2 rout of Alabama at the College World Series in Omaha. Rodriguez went 5-for-5 with a single, double, triple, and home run — becoming only the third player in CWS history to pull off the feat, according to AP News.
The performance was historic on multiple fronts. Rodriguez tied the CWS single-game records for RBIs (7) and total bases (12). The win keeps Texas alive in the tournament and ends Alabama's run — the Crimson Tide's first CWS appearance since 1999.
How Rodriguez Built the Cycle Inning by Inning
Rodriguez wasted no time. In the first inning, he hit a two-run double to right field, giving Texas a 3-0 lead. In the second, he laced a ball to left-center that rolled past two Alabama outfielders. It was first scored a single and an error — but later changed to a triple, Newsday reported. That scoring change turned out to be crucial.
Rodriguez added a clean single in the fifth. Then, in the sixth inning, he blasted a two-run home run to the upper bleachers in right field, completing the cycle. He finished the day with a second double in the eighth, an RBI liner that tied the all-time CWS record for runs batted in. "I just wanted to help the team stay in Omaha another day," Rodriguez said, per Baseball America.
Only the Third Player in CWS History to Do It
Rodriguez joins a very short list. Jerry Kindall of Minnesota did it first in 1956. Tennessee's Christian Moore did it in 2024. Now Rodriguez is the third — and the first Longhorn ever to hit for the cycle in Omaha. He also tied Kindall's CWS record of 12 total bases in a single game, AP News reported.
There is a small asterisk in the story. Rodriguez's triple was initially ruled a single with an error. The scoring change came late in the game — after he had already hit the home run. Some analysts have debated whether the ruling was too generous. But the official scorer's decision stands, and the record is his.
A Comeback Story Fueled by Wrist Injuries
Rodriguez's big day carries extra meaning. The Flower Mound, Texas native has dealt with persistent hand and wrist injuries. He was hit by a pitch against Missouri in March 2025, which sidelined him during his freshman year. A "lingering hand thing" also caused concern heading into the 2026 postseason. Texas head coach Jim Schlossnagle said Rodriguez has been "really banged up" over the last two seasons, per Sports Illustrated.
Despite that, Rodriguez has been a key part of the Texas offense. Monday's performance may also boost his professional draft stock. Scouts noted his ability to drive the ball to all fields even while managing the wrist issue. Pitcher Ruger Riojas did his part too — he threw six innings of two-run ball with seven strikeouts to earn the win.
Texas Survives, Alabama Goes Home After 27 Years Away
The Longhorns produced 13 hits, seven for extra bases. It was their highest run total in a CWS game since 1992. For Alabama, the loss was brutal. Alabama head coach Rob Vaughn called the exit "humiliating" but acknowledged pride in returning to Omaha for the first time since 1999, Daily Gazette reported. The Crimson Tide finish the season 42-21.
Texas now waits to see who they play next. The Longhorns face the loser of Tuesday's winner's bracket game between Oklahoma and Georgia. A win there would keep their 2026 CWS run going. This is already Texas's first trip to Omaha since 1999 — and Rodriguez is making sure no one forgets they showed up.
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