Texas Tech University Athletics
Texas Tech Athletics
Texas
Texas Edges Out Tech, 9-8
March 09, 2001 | Baseball
March 9, 2001
AUSTIN, TEXAS - Texas' Omar Quintanilla hit an RBI single in the bottom of the 10th that scored pinch runner Kasey Baker to give the Texas Longhorns a 9-8 win over Texas Tech in the first game of the three-game series on Friday night at Disch-Falk Field.
With the loss, Tech falls to 12-10 overall and 0-4 in the Big 12 Conference giving Tech its worst-ever start in league play since the 1989 season when Tech started off Southwest Conference play at 0-9 after dropping three series to Texas A&M, Arkansas and Texas. Texas improved to 13-9 overall and 4-0 in league play.
Texas Tech scored four runs in the top of the ninth inning to take an 8-7 lead over Texas heading into the bottom of the ninth. Texas Tech appeared to be on its way to a come-from-behind win over rival Texas as the Red Raiders had two outs in the bottom of the ninth with one runner on. Texas' Matt Rosenberg spoiled Tech's plans as he hit an RBI double to tie the game.
Texas scored the initial run of the game when designated hitter Sam Anderson hit a right field single scoring Ryan Hueble in the second inning. Texas Tech answered the Texas run in the top of the third scoring two runs to take the lead. Tyler Carson scored the first run for Tech after Texas pitcher Gerrit Simpson attempted to pick off Kerry Hodges at first base but instead the ball went flying towards the right field bleachers scoring Carson and putting Hodges at third base. A right field single by Tony Arnerich plated Kerry Hodges giving Tech the 2-1 lead.
Texas tied the game in the bottom of the third when second baseman Tim Moss scored on a fielder's choice as Cory Metzler tried to throw him out at home but the ball hit him in the back allowing him to score. Texas held the Red Raiders scoreless in the top of the fourth and took the lead in its half of the inning on a Jeff Ontiveros ground out to third base that plated Matt Rosenberg. Gera Alvarez limited the Texas scoring to just one in the inning when he made a spectacular catch in center field and then put out Sam Anderson at second base for the double play which ended the inning.
The Red Raiders mounted another two-run inning in the fifth when Nick Blankenship hit an RBI single scoring Tony Arnerich. Tech took the lead when Gera Alvarez scored on a wild pitch by Simpson.
Texas tied the game at 4-4 in the sixth inning off a wild pitch by Tech reliever Steve Rowe. Texas took the lead in the bottom of the seventh with an RBI single by Kalani Napolean. Ben King pushed the Texas lead to 6-4 when he hit a two run double to left field. Tech reliever Blake McGinley had control problems with two outs in the inning as he hit Matt Rosenberg that loaded the bases then walked home Omar Quintanilla giving Texas a 7-4 lead.
Senior Brandon Roberson (3-3) took the loss for Texas Tech while Kevin Frizzell (2-0) earned the win for Texas. Texas Tech and Texas will play the second game of the series on Saturday beginning at 2 p.m. at Disch-Falk Field in Austin.
