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For the third time during Tim Tadlock’s tenure, the Texas Tech Red Raiders clinched the Big 12 title.
The series opener did not go as planned. Both sides remained scoreless through 11 innings. Then they remained tied at 1-1 through the 14th inning. Until the horned frogs walked away with the 3-1 victory, but the Red Raiders knew coming into the series that’s the Big 12 title was dependent on a victory this weekend.
Caleb Killian’s seven strong innings on Friday helped the Red Raiders tie the series. Flower Mound, Texas, native struck out seven in what became his eighth win of the season. Killian became the first Red Raider in school history to go undefeated through Big 12 play with seven or more decisions thanks to his impressive 7-0 record in Big 12 play. He also recorded a .270 ERA in Big 12 play. Sophomore outfielder Gabe Holt led off the bottom of the first with a solo shot, while Kurt Wilson and Parker Kelly hit back-to-back shots in the fourth to push the Red Raiders to a 5-1 lead through four. Holt and junior Brian Klein paced the Red Raider offense with three hits each. Holt homered in the first and scored again in the third on a double from sophomore Dylan Neuse.
The series victory and the Big 12 title were secured with an n 8-4 win over TCU in the regular-season finale. Senior Cameron Warren collected three hits. He finished his night going 3-for-5 with a couple of singles and a triple in the eighth-inning. Braxton Fulford fashioned a career-high four RBI on a 2-for-4 performance. His performance included a two-run single to right field to give the Red Raiders a 2-0 lead in the second inning. Most importantly, the pitching staff combined for 16 strikeouts. Sophomore starter Bryce Bonnin earned the win for the Red Raiders after striking out seven and scattering four hits in five innings. Tech finishes the regular season with a 25-6 record at home.
Coming Up
With the victory, the Red Raiders will now be the No. 1 seed in next week’s Big 12 Conference Tournament in Oklahoma City. They have now won 13 of their last 15 games going into the postseason.