A roundup of Texas Tech news for Monday, April 29, 2024.
With the Texas Tech baseball team in the midst of the NCAA Tournament, a weekend sweep at the hands of Kansas wasn't exactly what coach Tim Tadlock's team needed, but that's exactly what happened in Lawrence. Ta. What made that result even more infuriating was that the Red Raiders actually held the lead in all three games of the series.
On Friday, Tech entered the bottom of the seventh inning with a 3-1 lead. That's thanks to starting pitcher Ryan Free, who pitched 5.1 innings and allowed only 1 earned run despite allowing 7 hits. His defense helped him by recording a program-record six double plays. However, KU scored one run in each of their final three at-bats and won 4-3.
Saturday's 11-2 loss was a terrifying moment for catcher Dylan Maxey, who was stretchered off the field after being hit in the head by a pitch. He was then released from the hospital and rejoined his teammates for Sunday's game.
In the final inning of the series, Tech opened up a 2-0 lead in the third inning, but KU hit one homer on the frame and five more in the bottom of the fourth. In the end, the Red Raiders lost 7-3 and showed no signs of coming back.
Currently 12-12 in the Big 12, the Red Raiders need a conference win to get back into the tournament. However, his final two games in this year's Big 12 series are against the top two teams in the conference standings, Oklahoma (Lubbock) and Oklahoma State (Stillwater).
Over the weekend, forward Andrew Carr, who committed to Wake Forest, visited Lubbock. But on Sunday, he announced his intention to commit to Kentucky, which he visited after visiting the Tech University campus.
The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 13.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game last season. The Red Raiders may be focused on acquiring power forward Great Osobol, the Utah State University Mountain West Player of the Year, this season.
Finally, some good news. The Texas Tech softball team earned an impressive win in the Big 12 series this weekend, taking two of three games from Houston on the road.
On Friday, Demi Elder hit two of Texas Tech's four home runs in a 7-6 victory. Maddie Wright pitched 129 pitches and had five strikeouts for her 10th win.
On Saturday, the Red Raiders won 8-0 in six innings. In the loss, Tech recorded just one hit.
On Sunday, Ariana Villa earned her 11th win against the Red Raider (4-4) and Wright (5-2). The Red Raiders had 10 hits on the day.
Tech is currently 28-17 on the season and 8-13 in Big 12 play. The softball team returns to action this weekend with a three-game set at home against Texas. This is the last regular season series of the year.
