Texas handed No. 7 Texas Tech its first Big 12 series loss of the season Sunday afternoon as the Longhorns run-ruled the Red Raiders, 17-1, at Dan Law Field at Rip Griffin Park.
The loss marked only the second time this season where the Red Raiders (31-12; 12-3) have dropped back-to-back games. It was also Tech’s first run-rule loss at home since falling to No. 19 Oklahoma State, 10-0, on May 13, 2007.
The Longhorns scored at least three runs in four different innings en route to finishing with a season-high 17 runs while also matching their season high with 14 hits as well. Tech had previously allowed four or more runs in an inning just once in Big 12 play.
Joe Baker led Texas at the plate, driving in six runs as one of four Longhorns with at least three RBI. Baker powered two-run doubles in both the third and fourth innings before blasting his first home run of the season with a two-run shot in the seventh.
Patrick Mathis, Zane Gurwitz and Rand all added three RBI each for the Longhorns, giving a large lead to Texas starter Kyle Johnston (3-1) who was efficient throughout the afternoon in holding the Red Raiders to just four hits over six complete innings.
The Red Raiders were limited to just two walks over the first three frames until Cory Raley sent a one-out single through the right side in the fourth. Eric Gutierrez added a walk later in the inning to put two runners on base before Johnson escaped the jam with one of his six strikeouts.
Tech scored its only run off the right-hander via a Tyler Floyd solo home run in the fifth inning. The home run was Floyd’s first of the season and third of his career.
Hayden Howard (6-2) suffered the loss for the Red Raiders in his first career start as the left-hander gave up seven runs off four hits and three walks. Ryan Shetter relieved Howard early in the third inning as the first of five Tech pitchers to come on in relief.
The Red Raiders will look to bounce back Tuesday night when Tech opens a two-game midweek series against Abilene Christian. Tech will open the series with a 6:30 p.m. first pitch Tuesday night at Crutcher Scott Field in Abilene. The series will then move to Security Bank Ballpark in Midland for a 6:30 p.m. first pitch Wednesday evening.
