Texas Tech University Athletics
Tech Ranked Preseason No. 3 by Perfect Game
January 08, 2020 | Baseball
Both preseason polls that have been released have tabbed the Red Raiders No. 3 in the country.
LUBBOCK, Texas – Texas Tech baseball will begin the 2020 season ranked third in the Perfect Game Preseason Top 25, the publication announced Wednesday as part of its college baseball preview.
The Red Raiders have now been ranked No. 3 by both preseason polls that have been released as Collegiate Baseball Newspaper tabbed Tech in the same spot in its preseason poll on Dec. 16.
It's the third consecutive year Tech has been ranked as high as No. 3 in the preseason. The ranking matches the highest start in program history.
Perfect Game has now placed Tech in the top five of its last three preseason polls. It started the Red Raiders at No. 4 in 2018 and No. 5 entering last season.
Tech is the highest of four Big 12 teams in the poll, ahead of Oklahoma (16), Oklahoma State (19), and Texas (24). Meanwhile, three non-conference opponents are featured in the top 15, including Mississippi State (8), Florida State (14) and Stanford (15).
Tech finished a historic 2019 campaign at No. 4 in four polls while Perfect Game slotted Tech at No. 5 in its final poll. The Red Raiders finished among the last four teams remaining at the College World Series and posted a 46-20 record while winning its third Big 12 title in four years and earning its fourth trip to Omaha in six seasons.
Entering his eight year as head coach, Tim Tadlock returns a strong nucleus of 20 returners from last year's squad. A pair of Freshman All-America pitchers return in Friday night starter Micah Dallas and closer Clayton Beeter. Senior John McMillon is also back for his final year after being drafted in the 11th round of the 2019 MLB Draft. Veterans Brian Klein, Dylan Neuse and Braxton Fulford look to anchor the lineup.
Opening Day for the Red Raiders is set for Friday, Feb. 14, at 1 p.m. against Houston Baptist. The matchup launches a four-game weekend for Tech as they host HBU for two games Friday and Saturday before facing Northern Colorado on Saturday and Sunday.
Preseason #??3?? by Perfect Game.
— Texas Tech Baseball (@TTU_Baseball) January 8, 2020
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