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Texas Tech Softball Sweeps Friday Doubleheader
March 04, 2016 | Softball
March 4, 2016
LUBBOCK, Texas --Texas Tech opened a six game home stand with a pair of wins Friday afternoon at the 2016 Texas Tech Invitational. The Red Raiders topped McNeese State (12-3) and Ohio (6-6) to improve to 8-10, including a 2-0 mark at home."I think out home atmosphere was fantastic," said head Texas Tech softball coach Adrian Gregory. "To come out and play in front of our home crowd, there is just nothing like it. Anytime you get two wins it is a great day."
The Red Raiders started off strong in the first game of Friday's double header as junior pitcher Mattison Maisel allowed maintained a no hitter through the first five innings of play.
In the bottom of the first, Texas Tech's Jordan Bettiol gave the Red Raiders a leadoff single followed by a steal of second. Brittany Warnecke would bring her in with a two out giving the Red Raiders a early 1-0 lead going into the second inning.
All would be quite for the two teams until the fourth inning where the Red Raiders would tack on another run to go up 2-0.
Maisel had her no hitter broken up on a tough play at first resulting in an infield single in the top of the fifth, but the defense held strong and ended the inning without giving up any runs.
The Red Raiders extended their lead in the bottom of the fifth off a Jessica Hartwell RBI triple followed by a Miles single that pushed Tech's lead to 4-0.
The Cowgirls broke up the shutout in the fifth, but it would not be enough as Texas Tech would close out the 4-1 victory.
In the second game of Friday's double header, the Red Raiders would waste no time lighting up the scoreboard.
Following two quick outs, Kierra Miles blasted a solo shot to right field to give the Red Raiders an early 1-0 lead.
Working behind another incredible pitching performance, this time by Cheyene Powell, Texas Tech would build a 5-0 lead off a two run second and three run third. Tech was powered by shortstop Brooke Scott who connected on her second home run of the night in the second inning.
After adding another run to their lead in the fourth the Red Raiders faded a bit late. The Ohio Bobcats would rattle Tech in the bottom of the fourth as MacKenzie Brunswick broke up Powell's no hitter by drilling a line drive right back to her in the circle. After being checked out by the medical staff, Powell would retake the mound. With two on and no outs in the inning, Ohio connected on a three run blast that pulled the score to 7-3 after four.
The Bobcats would mount a late comeback, adding two runs in the sixth, but the Red Raider defense would hold for a 7-5 Texas Tech victory.
The Red Raiders will return to action on Saturday for a pair of games at Rocky Johnson Field. Texas Tech will begin Saturday's doubleheader with a 12:30 matchup with McNeese State followed by a 5:30 p.m. tilt with Ohio. Fans can follow all of the action from the 2016 softball season by following @TTUSB on twitter.
