Texas Tech University Athletics
Texas Tech Athletics
Memphis
Memphis Hangs On to Top Texas Tech, 12-9
February 28, 2015 | Softball
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Feb. 28, 2015
Memphis (5-7) scored each of its first six runs with two outs in the inning, beginning with a three-run shot from Irvin, who sent an 0-1 pitch over the fence in center field for her second home run this season.
Ross followed soon after with a two-run shot to left field, her first home run this season. Memphis' big inning marked the most runs allowed by Tech (9-9) in the opening frame this season.
Memphis scored one run in each of the next three innings before bringing two across in each of the fifth and sixth innings. The Tigers finished with 13 hits, one shy of the most allowed by the Tech pitching staff this year.
Brooke Lee led Memphis with a 3-for-5 day at the plate that included three runs scored. Irving, who doubled as Memphis' starting pitcher, finished 2-for-4 with three RBI while Hannah Harrell also went 2-for-4 overall.
Cara Custer (4-6) took the loss for the Red Raiders as she surrendered nine runs, eight of which that were earned, over her five combined innings. She was relieved by Chandler Moore early in the third inning but returned with no outs in the fifth after Memphis loaded the bases all via walks.
Both pitching staffs struggled with command as the two teams combined to issue 24 walks. Memphis dished out 14 walks on its own, four shy of the Tech single-game record for an opponent that set by Colorado State in 2011.
The free passes allowed Tech to load the bases in each of the first two innings but the Red Raiders scored only one run during that span off a Brittany Warnecke bases-loaded walk. Warnecke totaled four walks, matching the Tech single-game record that was previously set by Mikey Kenney (2013), Cydney Allen (2011) and Alex Watkins (2009).
The Red Raiders trailed by nine runs before making it a game again with a six-run bottom of the sixth that was highlighted by a pinch hit grand slam from Kierra Miles. It was the second home run of the season for Miles and the first grand slam of her career.
Susan Welborn and Derryn Hebert also drove in runs for Tech in the sixth thanks to a bases-loaded walk and then a RBI fielder's choice. Welborn also connected on a two-run double in the fifth as part of a 2-for-4 day that included three RBI.
Tech brought the tying run to the plate later in the inning with Jordan Bettiol and Devon Thomey in scoring position with just one out. Memphis managed, though, to strike out Warnecke and force Ashley Fultz into a popup behind the plate to end the rally.
Jordan Richwood came on in relief for Memphis to start the seventh inning as she allowed just Brittany Lee to reach for her first save of the season. Molly Smith (1-1) picked up the win for the Tigers after allowing eight runs off six hits in her four innings in relief of Irvin.
The 21 combined runs between both teams marked the most for Tech since the Red Raiders defeated UMKC, 16-8, on March 10, 2013. Tech's nine runs also matched its most ever in a loss.
The Red Raiders are currently facing McNeese State in their final game of a doubleheader. Tech closes the Cowgirl Classic with a 10 a.m. first pitch Sunday morning against Holy Cross.
