Tech falls 2-1 to UCF Friday

Friday, March 29

Orlando, FL

5 p.m. CT / 6 p.m. local

Texas Tech Athletics

18-9, 4-7

UCF

18-6, 6-5

Texas Tech

UCF

March 29, 2024 | Baseball

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

The Red Raiders lost their second-straight one-run heartbreaker

By: Andrew Stern

ORLANDO – Kyle Robinson fired six strong innings, and TJ Pompey provided three hits and an RBI, but Texas Tech Baseball fell 2-1 to UCF Friday night at John Euliano Park.

Locked in a pitchers-duel all night, Texas Tech (18-9, 4-7 Big 12) managed just a seventh inning run on an RBI single from Pompey that plated Owen Washburn.

In his first start since Mar. 9, Washburn went 1-for-4 with the double and gunned down not one but two UCF (18-6, 6-5 Big 12) bases runners.

After allowing a pair of singles and a run to score on a fielder's choice, Robinson settled in nicely Friday, as the righty retired 10 straight batters from the first to the fourth to keep the Red Raiders in the game.

The game remained 1-0 UCF until the home-half of the sixth when UCF added its second run of the game on a pair of singles, a walk and a wild pitch.

With one out and a runner on second base, Robinson coaxed a flyout to right that traveled close to the warning track.

Washburn fielded the ball with momentum and uncorked a perfect strike that one-hopped to Cade McGee. McGee slapped the tag on UCFs Dylan Neri before he slid into the base for an inning-ending double play.

Riding the momentum form the outfield assist, Washburn doubled with one out and later scored on Pompey's third and final hit of the night one half inning later.

The double chased UCFs Dom Stagliano from the game.

Stagliano went six and a third, allowing just three hits and one run. He struck out five to earn his first victory of the season.

Tech turned to junior Trendan Parish for the seventh and eighth, and Parish delivered, throwing a pair of scoreless innings to send the game to the ninth with the Red Raiders down just one.

Needing a run to extend it, the Red Raiders sent 4-5-6 to the plate in the ninth, but UCFs Chase Centala won a 10-pitch battle with Washburn to retire the side in order for his sixth save of the season.

UP NEXT:
The Red Raiders will look to grab the series finale on Saturday afternoon. First pitch from Orlando is set for Noon (CT).