1. Red Raider of the Game
Starting pitcher Ty Damron was fantastic in the game today, going 5 scoreless innings, and was only credited with 1 run from a double he allowed to start the 6th that was scored from a wild pitch and throwing error. He got out of a 1-out bases loaded jam in the 1st with back to back strikeouts as well as a pair in the 4th with a runner on 3rd. The whole pitching staff was great, with strong performances from Howard, Dugger, and Mushinski as well.
2. Play That Impacted the Game
In the bottom of the 9th, with Tech up 3-1 and 2 outs in the inning, Wanhanen walked and Merrill doubled. Just prior to the walk, Hayden Howard caught Steinhagen trying to steal and picked him off at 1st base. Without this pickoff, TCU would've scored at least 1 run and the fly out to end the game would've been a sac fly to tie the game.
3. Stat of the Game
2. The first 2 runs for Tech were scored on sacrifice plays, with a groundout and a fly out that both scored a runner from 3rd base. Although Tech did leave 10 men on base today, they did score the runner at 3rd twice after they were able to get men around the bases before getting 2 outs to put themselves in a position to bat them in on sacrifice plays.
4. Forgotten Play of the Game
The red raiders started the 3rd inning out with a walk and double to put 2 men in scoring position before getting an out. This allowed for a Gardner ground out to score a run. After another batter reached by getting plunked, Raley walked on a 7-pitch at bat to load the bases with only 1 out. A sac fly would score another run, giving Tech the 2-0 lead.
5. Big Reason Tech Won the Game
After an unlucky pitching performance yesterday, the staff was on fire today, allowing only 6 hits and 1 run that was scored on an error. The lineup was able to capitalize and score enough to get the win. A big difference in a 1 and a 3-game lead with 6 games to go over TCU.
