Texas Tech University Athletics
Texas Tech Athletics
Tulsa
Tulsa Powers Past Texas Tech
March 13, 2015 | Softball
March 13, 2015
Kernen hit a pair of two-run shots in the first and fourth innings to help Tulsa (14-7), a preseason top-25 selection, hand the Red Raiders (13-15) only their second loss ever in the Jeannine McHaney Memorial Classic.
The Red Raiders, who defeated Mississippi Valley State earlier in the day, had previously won its last 11 games in the tournament since falling to IPFW, 5-4, on March 8, 2013. The Red Raiders are now 23-2 all-time in the event since its creation in 2011.
Tulsa totaled nine hits off Tech pitchers Chandler Moore and Mattison Maisel, five of which that left the park. It marked the most home runs surrendered by the Red Raiders since Baylor also drilled five on March 28 last year.
Shelby Estocado and Kaitlin Allen both crushed two-run blasts in the second and third innings while Jocelyn Sheffield added a solo shot in the fifth to help Tulsa score at least a run in all five innings.
Moore (5-5) took the loss for the Red Raiders as she allowed eight runs, seven of which that were earned, off six hits and a pair of strikeouts. Maisel, meanwhile, gave up three runs off three hits and a walk after relieving Moore to start the fourth inning.
Tulsa starter Bailey Erwin (7-3) picked up the win as the right-hander frustrated the Red Raiders early, allowing just one hit through the first three innings off a Devon Thomey bunt single in the opening frame.
Tech managed just one run off four hits against Erwin, who also struck out six in a complete-game performance, her second this season.
Jordan Bettiol drove in Tech's only run with a two-out RBI single through the right side in the fifth inning. She scored pinch runner Kaylee Strickland, who replaced Brittany Warnecke after she led off the frame with a double to right field.
Tech came into its battle with Tulsa averaging over eight runs per game over its last six contests, which included five games where the Red Raiders totaled 10 or more hits as well.
The Red Raiders will face Mississippi Valley and Tulsa in another doubleheader Saturday afternoon. First pitch against MVSU is slated for 12:30 p.m. at Rocky Johnson Field.
