Texas Tech Red Raiders vs New Mexico State Aggies

Game time

Tuesday, 2:00 PM

Probable starters

RHP Ryan Shetter ( 1-0, 9.00 ERA) vs RHP Brock Whittlesey (0-01 .0.00 ERA)

The matchup

The Aggies of New Mexico State come to Lubbock for a midweek matchup with the Red Raiders. The Aggies are led by fourth year head coach Brian Green. Last season, the Aggies finished 35-20 overall and 19-5 in the Western Athletic Conference. Despite finishing second in the WAC, New Mexico State failed to clench a playoff berth. The Aggies have made the post season three times in their history (2002, 2003, 2012) and have never made an appearance in the College World Series.

Last weekend, The Aggies went 2-1 in their opening series with Towson (W 24-4, L 6-11, W 13-3).

The Aggies bring in one of their most experienced squads of the Green era, with nine seniors and 19 juniors returning this season. Green overhauled the roster over the last two seasons. Of the 38 active players for New Mexico State, 21 are JUCO transfers.

The Red Raiders come in as the only undefeated team in the Big 12 after a four game sweep of the Maine Black Bears. Gabe Holt earned Big 12 Newcomer of the Week honors, while Josh Jung earned Big 12 Player of the Week.

Players to watch

Marcus Still was as solid a hitter as they come for the Aggies last weekend, recording a batting average of .889, as well as five hits, four RBIs and one SB. Last season he started in all 54 games and batted .298 with 31 RBIs. Still was named the WAC hitter of the week after his performance against Towsen.

Tristen Carranza batted .333 and recorded tow home runs against Towson last weekend. Last season Carranza batted .314 and hit a league high, 16 home runs. He was selected to the All WAC Second Team.

Prediction

Much like against Maine, the talent gap between the Red Raiders and Aggies is just too great. The Aggies have some solid hitters so I expect them to score some runs, but all in all, the Red Raider offense will prove too much for them.

Red Raiders win this one 8-3