Texas in a rain delay after Ivan Melendez home run

Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports Facing a third straight elimination game, the Texas Longhorns square off against the Mississippi State Bulldogs for a third time this season and a second time at the College World Series on Friday at 6 p.m. on ESPN.

The Longhorns have lost each contest against the Bulldogs, including a 2-1 defeat on Sunday at TD Ameritrade Park marred by a record-setting 21 strikeouts, 15 by Mississippi State ace Will Bednar. To advance to the championship series, Texas needs wins on Friday and Saturday.

Over the last two games, the Horns have reduced their number of strikeouts to 21 total with first baseman Zach Zubia and designated hitter Ivan Melendez finally showing…