The SEC is just as tough in baseball, if not tougher, than football. Texas gets its first taste this week at Mississippi State.

When Texas baseball coach Jim Schlossnagle spoke to second baseman Ethan Mendoza with two runners on base in the eighth inning of Tuesday’s game between the Longhorns and UT Arlington, his intent was only to deceive.

A four-run eighth inning for the Horns broke a 3-3 tie and propelled the home team to its 15th straight victory.

The No. 11 Texas Longhorns (14-1) looked to avoid that fate against the UT Arlington Mavericks (4-9) on Tuesday night. It was a tightly contested affair, as the Longhorns took a lead in the second and fifth innings,

A 15-game ramp-up to SEC play for Texas baseball concludes on Tuesday when the Longhorns host UT Arlington at UFCU Disch-Falk Field. The Longhorns (13-1) have the opportunity to score a 14th consecutive win after dropping their season opener to Louisville.

After taking all three games against the Broncos, the Mavericks provide the final tuneup before conference play begins.

As the No. 11 Texas Longhorns (13-1) prepare for their first conference series as members of the SEC, they have one last midweek game to take care of. On deck is a showdown with the UT Arlington Mavericks (4-8).