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The No. 3 Texas Tech Red Raiders won their 14th game in a row to start the season as they downed the New Mexico Lobos by a score of 7-2. This completes the last game of Tech’s homestand before they are on the road for the next couple of weeks. The Red Raiders seemingly controlled this game from start to finish and once again proved why they are one of the top teams in the nation.
Ryan Shetter got the start for the Red Raiders today and he had another great day. He allowed two runs (one earned) in 5 and 2/3rds innings. Shetter also recorded 6 strikeouts and 3 walks in 92 pitches. This win also brings Shetter to three on the year, tied for the team lead. He seems to have solidified himself as the weekday starter and could potentially work his way into the weekend rotation if these type of performances continue. Shetter was relieved in the 6th inning by Caleb Kilian. The bullpen as a whole did an excellent job shutting down the Lobos as the four pitchers who came in relief only allowed one hit combined!
Kilian struck one batter out, walked one, and allowed one hit in his 1 and a third innings of relief. Kilian had 25 pitches and finished the sixth and seventh innings for the Red Raiders. Kilian has been one of the best relief pitchers for Tech as he has not allowed a run the entire season. Connor Queen then came in to pitch the 8th inning. Queen came in and pitched a clean 8th inning, only walking one batter in 16 pitches. The 9th inning was started by Dane Haveman who seems to have Tadlock’s trust in the 9th inning. After walking one batter with two outs, Kurt Wilson, who had also started in right field and played shortstop, came in to get the final strikeout and seal the Red Raider victory.
On the offensive side, Michael Davis continued his amazing week as he hit another bomb to get the offense going for the Red Raiders. His team-leading 4th home run of the season brought his RBI total to 16, also the most on the team. The scoring in the 2nd inning wouldn’t end there as Cody Farhat scored on a throwing error to push the Red Raider lead to 3-0. Cameron Warren got the scoring started in the third inning as he hit a double to bring home Michael Davis. Warren finished with 2 RBI on the day. Zayne Willems got his 2nd RBI of the season as in this inning as he hit a single to bring in Warren to stretch the lead to 5. Josh Jung also got an RBI double in this game, pushing his season total to 14.
The Red Raiders now must go on the road for their longest road trip of the season. They will next face another top-10 team in Kentucky. That series starts on Friday at 3:00 pm in Lexington, Kentucky. What do you think of this hot start for the Red Raiders? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below!