Texas Tech University Athletics
Texas Tech Athletics
McNeese State
McNeese State Escapes With 5-4 Win Over Texas Tech
February 28, 2015 | Softball
Devon Thomey gave Texas Tech a one-run lead in the sixth inning Saturday afternoon after recorded her third triple of the year, one shy of the single-season school record. McNeese State rallied to top the Red Raiders, 5-4.
Feb. 28, 2015
The loss extended Tech's weekend woes as the Red Raiders (9-10) have now dropped a season-high four straight heading into Sunday's Cowgirl Classic finale against Holy Cross.
The Red Raiders took a one-run lead into the seventh inning but a Tech fielding error and a walk gave McNeese State (12-6) two quick base runners with no outs in the inning. The Cowgirls loaded the bases soon after off an Emily Vincent bunt single.
Tech reliever Cara Custer settled down to force three-hole hitter Erika Piancastelli to fly out to shallow right field for the first out. She could not get herself entirely out the jam, however, as Morgan Catron stepped up immediately after and scored the game-tying run on a sacrifice fly.
Catron popped up to Tech shortstop Brooke Scott, who dove into foul territory to make the leaping catch. Scott jumped up to make the throw to the plate but pinch runner Marisa Taunton barely beat the Kristi Belshe's tag.
The Red Raiders previously led following a two-out RBI triple from Devon Thomey in the bottom of the sixth. Thomey, who led the Red Raiders with two RBI thanks to a bases-loaded walk in the third, scored Jordan Bettiol on her third triple of the season which is just one shy already of the Tech single-season record.
Vincent (6-1) picked up the win for McNeese State in relief as the right-hander tossed the final two shutout innings. She relieved Bianca Lilly, who surrendered one run off four hits over 2.2 innings. McNeese State starter Rachel Smith gave up the first three Tech runs off three hits and five walks in her 3.1 innings of work.
Custer (4-7) took the loss for the Red Raiders as the right-hander tossed six solid innings in relief of Mattison Maisel. McNeese State totaled just two hits off Custer, who allowed two runs, both of which that went unearned.
McNeese State opened the game with a two-run homer from Vincent, who, in addition to garnering the win in the circle, also finished 2-for-4 at the plate with two RBI. Shanice Hagler followed an inning later with a solo shot of her own.
The Red Raiders will look to close the weekend with a win Sunday morning when Tech faces Holy Cross in a 10 a.m. first pitch. The game will be the season opener for Holy Cross.
