The Texas Tech baseball team found a way to win a close game late Monday night.
Kevin Buzzell hit his second big fly of the night, a game-tying two-run homer, before Austin Green was walked in the ninth inning, capping a night of 3-for-5, 4 RBIs and a multi-home run. I made it. He led the Red Raiders to a 10-9 victory over Stanford at Dan Law Field at Rip Griffin Park.
Regarding his mindset when he found himself in a situation with no outs and the bases loaded in the 11th inning, Green said, “I didn't try too hard.'' “I put a fastball out to that at-bat and took a swing there.”
With the win, Texas Tech (20-9) ended a two-game losing streak against Stanford (11-14) dating back to the 2021 Super Regionals in Lubbock.
Regardless of the lead, the Cardinal continued to find ways to get back into the game. In the top of the 8th inning, Jimmy Naty, who had not given up a run in the previous two innings, hit an RBI hit down the left field line to tie the score at 7-7.
Stanford scored the go-ahead run on a wide throw from shortstop Tracer Lopez, who was about to start a double play on Trevor Haskins' grounder. Charlie Soum provided insurance by scoring an RBI over the middle.
With one out in the 9th inning, Buzzell hit the ball over the centerfield wall, inspiring the small number of fans who stayed at the venue to cheer despite the 54-degree weather, tying the game at 9-9.
In the 11th inning, Landon Stripling was unable to get the ball behind first base thanks to a bobble from second baseman Owen Cobb, but he loaded the bases and revitalized the Red Raiders' offense. Damian Bravo watched his teammates hustle and did the same, making successive hits that hit just the edge of the infield.
“So there was a little bit of a shift for Stripling. The second baseman is making a pull play and he hit it hard enough so it was a hard play for that guy,” Tadlock said, setting up his lineup in the 11th inning. He explained that the players were extremely busy. Bases loaded situation for Green. “And his other two were just luck, right? He got two balls hit in the right spot. … Sometimes you can't explain it.”
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Caleb Dean of Texas Tech University's athletics team throws out the ceremonial first pitch.
Caleb Dean knows a thing or two about success. The Texas Tech track and field standout won the 60-meter hurdles for the second year in a row in Boston in March, helping the Red Raiders win the indoor national title.
The Maryland transfer hit the ball slightly to the left from in front of the pitcher's mound, but also got some help from the catcher.
Texas Tech relief pitcher Zach Erdman constructed the pitch to ensure Dean left the field with a strike. Before returning to the stands, Texas Tech coach Tim Tadlock congratulated the Red Raiders' sprinter, who won the 200 meters at the same national track and field meet.
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TJ Pompey is tied for first in RBIs with Damian Bravo.
In addition to giving Texas Tech the lead in the 4th inning, TJ Pompey's big swing in the 4th inning led to 31 RBIs, tying him with Damian Bravo in the same category.
With runners on first and second base and a full count with no outs, Pompey sent a ball over the left-center wall, giving Texas Tech a 6-3 advantage. He had three RBIs and went 1-for-5 with a hit.
Texas Tech Baseball vs. Stanford Final Pitching Showdown
Texas Tech will send Zach Erdman (0-0, 7.11), who caught the first pitch from Caleb Dean on Monday, to the two-game conference finale starting this week.
Stanford had not announced its starting pitcher.
What's next?
Texas Tech and Stanford are scheduled to conclude their nonconference series with a contest at noon Tuesday at Dan Law Field at Rip Griffin Park. The game will be streamed online on ESPN+.
Following Tuesday's tilt, Texas Tech will host Big 12 and in-state rival Houston for a three-game set. The series begins with a contest on Friday at 6:30 p.m., followed by contests on Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. All games will be streamed online on ESPN+.
