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Whew, boy. That got out of hand quickly, huh?
Other than the Oklahoma State series, this was as complete an effort I’ve seen from this team, and they couldn’t pick a better time to do it. Offense, defense and pitching all showed up and showed out.
The Red Raider bats jumped out to a three run lead in the first inning and never looked back. Tech tacked on 11 runs on 16 hits in the contest, chasing Army ace Daniel Burggraaf after the second inning. All nine starters recorded hits with six compiling multi-hit efforts.
What about Tanner O’Tremba? The freshman outfielder made just his 10th start of the season. Wrapping up his postseason debut going 3-for-4 at the plate with three RBI. O’Tremba got the start with Dylan Neuse out and presumingly dealing with an injury sustained in the Big 12 Tournament, and Tadlock immediately slotted him in the two hole. When you talk about a manager who has the pulse of his club, this is a perfect example.
In a game dominated by the bats at face value, it would be foolish to not include Micah Dallas’ fantastic effort. The freshman RHP retired the first 12 batters he faced in his postseason debut. Dallas didn't allow a base runner until the top of fifth and he didn’t allow a hit until the sixth. He pitched 7.0 innings of work, matching his longest outing of the season. Dallas was spectacular this afternoon, and it may even be safe to say he is the ace of the staff at this point.
I want to stress the fact that, arguably, the two biggest factors in this game were freshman making their postseason debut. This team is very, very talented.
The Red Raiders will take on the Dallas Baptist University Patriots at 6pm Saturday night.