Texas Tech University Athletics
Texas Tech Athletics
New Mexico
Texas Tech Falls To New Mexico 5-3
February 03, 2002 | Baseball
Feb. 3, 2002
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - New Mexico's Aaron Smith pitched eight stellar innings holding the Texas Tech offense to just one hit and the Lobos handed the Red Raiders their first loss of the 2002 season 5-3 on Sunday afternoon at Lobo Field.
The Lobos took a 2-0 lead in the top of the sixth inning thanks to four stolen bases that led to runs by Troy Cairns and Mike Svetlic.
New Mexico extended its lead in the fifth inning by scoring three runs on four hits to take a 5-0 lead. Texas Tech reliever Steve Rowe helped end the bleeding for the Red Raiders as he came out of the bullpen to replace Dusty Buck and struckout two straight batters to end the inning.
Junior right fielder Scooter Jordan put an end to Lobo starter Aaron Smith's attempt at a no-hitter as he hit a line drive single in the top of the sixth inning to give Tech its first hit of the day.
Texas Tech put up a fight at the end of the game as the Red Raiders plated three runs in the top of the ninth. The inning was highlighted by a no-out RBI single by Bryon Smith that plated pinch runner Tyler Carson. Gera Alvarez put an end to Tech's rally as he hit into a double play and Willie Durazo was thrown out at first on the next at-bat to end the game.
Senior Matt Harbin suffered the loss for Texas Tech on the afternoon after giving up two runs and three hits in just two innings pitched. Aaron Smith (1-1) picked up his first win of the season after a stellar afternoon on the mound for the Lobos. Smith tallied a no-hitter until the top of the sixth and surrendered just two runs and one hit on the afternoon.
