LUBBOCK, Texas – Tyler Floyd broke up a tie game in the eighth inning Saturday afternoon with a two-out RBI double, sending No. 23 Texas Tech to a 6-5 victory over No. 22 Cal State Fullerton at Dan Law Field at Rip Griffin Park.
The victory evened the series for the Red Raiders (8-4), who picked up their third win already this year over a nationally-ranked opponent. Tech is now 3-2 this season versus top-25 foes.
Floyd drove a 1-0 pitch to deep left field which easily scored pinch runner Zach Davis from second for the game-winning run. It was the second two-out RBI in the game for Floyd, who finished 2-for-3 overall with two RBI after adding a RBI single in the fourth inning.
In addition, Floyd was also instrumental in guiding a Tech pitching staff that shut out the Titans (5-4) over the final three innings. Floyd had three assists from behind the plate as he caught two Fullerton runners on the base paths and cleanly fielded a bunt attempt in the ninth.
Hayden Howard (2-1) earned the win for Tech as the left-hander recorded 2.1 shutout innings of relief where he surrendered just two hits. He was relieved with one out in the ninth by Robert Dugger, who collected his first career save after inducing a ground ball to third and then a strikeout to close out the win.
Connor Seabold (0-1) suffered the loss for Fullerton after surrendering two runs off three hits and three strikeouts in his four complete innings of relief. Fullerton starter John Gavis gave up four runs off four hits and three strikeouts before Seabold replaced him with two outs in the fourth.
Eric Gutierrez ignited Tech’s day offensively with a two-run homer to left field off Gavis in the second. The home run was Gutierrez’ second of the season (25th of his career) after the senior connected on a similar two-run shot this past Wednesday against New Mexico State.
Michael Davis followed later in the frame with a RBI double to left center, scoring Ryan Long all the way from first for his first of two hits in the game. Davis, who finished 2-for-4 overall, combined with Floyd for four of Tech’s seven hits.
The multiple-hit performance marked Floyd’s first of the season and 10th of his career. It was Davis’ fifth multi-hit game this year and 12th of his career.
Fullerton was led at the plate by Tanner Pinkston and Timmy Richards as the duo recorded a pair of 3-for-4 performances at the plate that included a RBI. Tyler Stieb was also 2-for-4 overall with a two-run single that tied the game in the sixth.
The Red Raiders will look for the series win Sunday afternoon when the two teams meet in a 12 p.m. first pitch. The series finale will air live on FOX Sports Southwest Plus.