Texas Tech University Athletics
Texas Tech Athletics
Greater San Diego Tournament vs. Riverside
Raiders Demolish UC-Riverside 17-6 In San Diego Classic
February 15, 2001 | Baseball
Feb. 15, 2001
SAN DIEGO, CALIF. - Gera Alvarez and Anthony Arnerich led off the game with back-to-back home runs and the Texas Tech offense pounded out 20 hits as the Red Raiders demolished UC-Riverside 17-6 in the first game of the San Diego Baseball Classic at Tony Gwynn Stadium on Thursday afternoon.
Texas Tech (7-4) got three-hit performances from five different players and multiple RBI games from six players on the afternoon. Senior designated hitter Jason Rainey led the Tech offensive attack going 3 of 5 at the plate with five RBI. Juniors Nick Blankenship and Kerry Hodges both totaled three hits on the day and extended season hitting streaks to 10 and 11 respectively.
UC-Riverside drew first blood in the contest after Tim Faulkner led off with a double and then scored off and RBI by Randy Blood who reached base on an error by Tech centerfielder Tyler Carson. Tech starter Chris Phillips closed the first inning with a groundout and a strikeout to send the Red Raiders to the dugout trailing 1-0.
Texas Tech answered UC-Riverside with back-to-back home runs by Gera Alvarez and Tony Arnerch to lead off Tech's half of the first inning. Jason Rainey punched in another Texas Tech run off an RBI single to center field which scored Nick Blankenship giving the Red Raiders a 3-1 lead after one inning of play.
The Red Raiders put the game away in the second by scoring five runs on three hits giving Tech an 8-2 lead. Texas Tech added four runs in the fourth and sixth innings and one in the seventh to complete its part of the scoring.
Junior Chris Phillips earned his third win of the season to improve his record to 3-1. Phillips tossed seven innings allowing three earned runs and struckout five batters. Mike Garner (0-1) took the loss for UC-Riverside after giving up five hits and six earned runs and two walks.
Texas Tech continues play in the San Diego Baseball Classic on Friday when they play the Oregon State Beavers at 2 p.m. (PT) and 4 p.m. (CT).
