The East Carolina Pirates defeated No. 5 Texas Tech, 8-6, in the opening game of the Lubbock Super Regional.
The Red Raiders will now have to win the final two games of the three game series to advance to the College World Series.
Recap:
In the top of the first Tech freshman RHP Davis Martin struck out East Carolina’s first hitter of the ball game, and then turned a double play to get out of the inning.
Then, in the bottom of the second inning, with runners at second and third for Texas Tech, senior catcher Tyler Floyd hit a chopper to the mound, Kruczynski tried to turn a double play, but the relay was bobbled at first and senior left fielder Tyler Neslony scored. Texas Tech lead 1-0.
In the top of the third inning, the PIrates responded, with bases loaded Martin walked home the first ECU run. Tying the ball game at 1-1.
Then in the bottom of the fourth, Tech sophomore second baseman Michael Davis blasted his third homer of the year! Tech lead 2-1.
However, in the top of the fifth, East Carolina’s Travis Watkins hit a grand slam to give the Pirates the 5-2 lead. Then later in the frame, ECU reached the dish on a double steal to give the Pirates the 6-2 advantage.
In the bottom of the fifth, the Red Raiders were trying to bounce back, Cory Raley singled through the left side to score Stephen Smith. Cutting ECU’s lead to 6-3.
In the top of the sixth, ECU’s Travis Watkins hit his second home run of the game. A two-run shot to extend the Pirates lead to 8-3.
In the bottom of the seventh, Tech senior left fielder Tyler Neslony hit a 3-run shot over the right field wall to bring the Red Raiders back within two runs. ECU lead 8-6.
However, Texas Tech just wasn’t able to muster up any more run support over their final two trips to the plate.
Plus, stick with us tonight at 10 p.m. in Red Raider Nation on KAMC News for highlights, post game reaction and more.
