Texas Tech University Athletics
Texas Tech Athletics
30-11, 13-4
TCU
33-13, 11-6
No. 6 TCU Evens Series With No. 10 Texas Tech
April 30, 2016 | Baseball
April 30, 2016
The Red Raiders (33-13; 13-4) controlled a four-run lead heading to the bottom of the fifth before TCU (30-11; 11-6) responded with seven runs in the frame and then four more in the sixth. The seven-run sixth matched the most runs allowed by Tech in an inning this season.
TCU scored each of its first four runs in the game via either a bases-loaded walk or hit-by-pitch as the Red Raiders issued 10 free passes in the loss. It was Tech's first road loss in Big 12 play since the Red Raiders dropped the middle game of the Baylor series (March 19).
Tech had previously won five-straight Big 12 road games, which was its longest since streak since late in the 2004 season. The Red Raiders are now 6-2 in conference road games this season.
The Red Raiders jumped out to an early 5-1 lead thanks in part to a pair of home runs from Eric Gutierrez and Cory Raley, who combined to account for all five of Tech's RBI.
Gutierrez scored Tech's first run of the afternoon with a leadoff home run deep over the left-field fence to start the second inning. The home run was Gutierrez' second of the series and ninth this season which is tied with teammate Stephen Smith for the Big 12 lead.
In addition, Gutierrez also moved into the top 10 in program history as the home run was the 32nd of his career, moving the senior into a tie with Todd Howey (1983-85) for 10th all-time in the Tech record book.
Raley doubled Tech's lead an inning later with a two-out RBI single through the right side that scored Stephen Smith from second base. He followed with a three-run homer to left center on the first pitch from TCU reliever Preston Guillory in the fifth inning.
The home run was the sixth of the season for Raley, who finished 2-for-5 overall while matching his career high with four RBI. It marked his fourth four-RBI outing this season.
Tyler Neslony was Tech's most consistent presence at the plate as he finished 4-for-6 overall with two runs scored. Neslony, who matched his career high for hits, set up Tech's final run with a leadoff double to start the sixth before scoring on a failed pickoff attempt from TCU reliever Jared Janczak.
Tanner Gardner and Trey Ochoa added multi-hit performances of their own as Gardner was 2-for-4 with a double with Ochoa finished 2-for-5 overall.
Ryan Moseley (4-4) suffered the loss for the Red Raiders after giving up six runs off a hit and three walks. He failed to record an out in the fifth after coming on to start the inning in place of starter Steven Gingery.
Guillory (1-1) earned the win for TCU as the right-hander surrendered a run off three hits in his one inning of work. He replaced TCU starter Brian Howard, who departed after surrendering four runs off seven hits and a pair of walks.
The series rubber match is slated for a 1 p.m. first pitch Sunday afternoon.
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Guillory (1-1)
L: Moseley, Ryan (4-4)
Batting:
2B: Neslony, Tyler 1 ; Gardner, Tanner 1
HR: Raley, Cory 1 ; Gutierrez, Eric 1
RBI: Raley, Cory 4 ; Gutierrez, Eric 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Smith, Stephen 1 ; Neslony, Tyler 2 ; Gardner, Tanner 1 ; Raley, Cory 1 ; Gutierrez, Eric 1
HBP: Gardner, Tanner 1 ; Gutierrez, Eric 1
Batting:
2B: Wade 1 ; Barzilli 1 ; Wanhanen 1
RBI: Wade 3 ; Warner 1 ; Skoug 1 ; Watson 1 ; Barzilli 2 ; Steinhagen 1 ; Wanhanen 3 ; Hesse 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Warner 1 ; Skoug 1 ; Baker 2 ; Watson 2 ; Barzilli 2 ; Steinhagen 3 ; Wanhanen 1 ; Hesse 1
SB: Wade 1 ; Steinhagen 3 ; Wanhanen 1
HBP: Baker 1 ; Steinhagen 1 ; Wanhanen 1
