The Texas Tech baseball team faced off against a strong non-conference opponent on Tuesday night.
The Red Raiders, reeling from their second consecutive road loss in the Big 12 Conference against TCU last weekend, looked to rebuild as they faced No. 2 University of Arkansas at Baum-Walker Stadium in Fayetteville.
Zach Erdman and the offense appeared to be in a zone early on, building a seven-point advantage by the top of the fourth.
But it wasn't enough, as the Razorbacks fought back, scoring six runs in the fifth inning to tie the game, and then scored another run in the eighth to tie the game at 8-8. Pinch hitter Nolan Souza then hit a walk-off sacrifice fly. 9-8 victory.
Parker Futila, who appeared in relief in the ninth inning, struggled to find command and footing. The freshman from North Richland Hills had a chance to score a leadout with a runner on, but was tripped up by a ground ball to the left side of the mound. The error allowed Jared Sprague-Lott to slide into second base, and Hatila hit Ben McLaughlin to load the bases and score two RBIs.
Prior to Tuesday's tilt, the Razorbacks had won their last 23 home games and increased that total by one with a fourth-inning comeback that started 7-0.
Here are some takeaways from the matchup between former Southwest Conference rivals Texas Tech (26-12) and Arkansas Tech (31-5). Texas Tech had won 11 straight games but dropped the last two of three straight Southeastern Conference games. Alabama this weekend.
How did Zach Erdman pitch against No. 2 Arkansas?
For about four innings, Zach Erdman got off to a quality start and earned a big win on the road against a top-ranked opponent.
But the Razorbacks gave the left-hander almost his best start to the year. It was 4 2/3 innings against Stanford on April 2nd.
After being hit by a double and hitting a batter, Erdman was pulled by head coach Tim Tadlock in favor of Hudson Ruth. The University of Arkansas took advantage of the situation and scored with an RBI by Peyton Holt. The leadoff batter started the inning with six runs to decide the game.
Former Texas Tech infielder Hudson White hit the ball down the third base line for the tying run, making it 7-all. White finished the game with 1 hit for 4 and his only RBI.
Texas Tech bats stay warm
There was never any question about the Red Raiders' offense this season, and Tuesday night's game against the Razorbacks proved that to be true.
Cade McGee hit a two-run home run in the second inning to start the game. His home run was the catalyst for a key six-run inning that provided starting pitcher Zach Erdman with a solid cushion.
Dylan Maxey (single RBI), Gavin Kash (single RBI), and Austin Green (two RBI double) also contributed to the crooked innings.
Austin Green had a great night, going 5-for-5 with four singles and hitting the game-winning home run in the seventh inning to give Texas Tech an 8-7 lead. Green had four RBIs on the night and McGee had two.
What's next?
Texas Tech and the University of Arkansas will conclude their two midweek games Wednesday at 4 p.m.
After their road trip, the Red Raiders will return home for a three-game conference game against West Virginia, starting Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Dan Law Field at Rip Griffin Park. The series will be streamed online on ESPN+, with games scheduled to continue Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.
