Red Raiders Sweep Kansas in Final Big 12 Series to Win the Big 12

After winning the first game of the series, it was clear that Kansas wasn’t going to roll over for Tech. If the Red Raiders wanted that conference championship, they would have to earn it. The Jayhawks were interested in raising their RPI with a win in Lubbock, and in doing so, ensure that Tech would not repeat as Big 12 champs.

Game 2 - Friday Evening

Tech struck first, with a Josh Jung single that scored Tanner. Kansas would strike back right away with a run scored on a wild pitch. The game would stay close until the bottom of the 5th when the Tech offense would wake up, scoring 10 runs in 2 innings. In the 5th, a Little double and a 3-run shot by Jung were followed by a Klein double, Little’s second double in as many innings, and a Hargrove triple would put the game out of reach. Tech would add another run in the 7th before Kansas struck back with 3 runs against reliever Jake McDonald. The Red Raiders weren’t finished and added another 4 runs in the bottom of the 8th. Starter Ryan Shetter went 7 strong innings, allowing only 3 hits and a single run.

Final Score - TTU 16 KU 4

Ryan Shetter (Win) 7.0 IP 3H 1R 11K 0BB

Ryan Zeferjahn (Loss) 5.0 IP 5H 5R 3K 3BB

Game 3 - Saturday Afternoon

After taking the first two games, Tech knew coming into the Saturday game that they had a chance to win the Big 12 with a win. Erikson Lanning would get the start, but Coach Tadlock would rely on members of the bullpen that helped Tech get to where they are now. Lanning would pitch 3.2 innings, allowing 2 runs on 6 hits. McMillon would finish the 4th inning, but not before walking a pair and allowing a run in. Quezada, Dusek, and Mushinski would finish off the game allowing just a single run over the last 5 innings. At the plate, Tech would string 12 hits over the 8 innings, going up 5-0 before Kansas would get on the scoreboard. Grant Little would continue his double tear, adding 3, while Jung, Gardner, Long, and Hargrove also had doubles. The Red Raider offense just keeps finding ways to score this year, and clinched a “share” of the Big 12 title since the conference doesn’t believe in tiebreakers. However Tech was able to celebrate with the trophy, having back to back titles now.

Final Score - TTU 9 KU 4

Erikson Lanning (Start) 3.2 IP 6H 2R 3K 1BB

Jose Quezada (Win) 2.0 IP 2H 0R 3K 1BB

Sean Rackoski (Loss) 3.1 IP 8H 7R 2K 1BB

Big 12 (Co) Champions

Technically we split the title with TCU, but Tech will have a #1 seed in the conference tournament that begins on Wednesday. Tech plays Oklahoma State at 12:30pm on Wednesday at Bricktown in Oklahoma City.