LUBBOCK, TX — Texas Tech powered to a 12-3 victory over No. 16 Arizona to split a Saturday doubleheader at Rip Griffin Park, snapping a three-game losing streak and earning its first win over a ranked opponent this season.
After dropping a tight 2-1 decision in the nightcap, the Red Raiders (14-24, 9-11 Big 12) will look to take the series Sunday afternoon.
Robin Villeneuve homered in both games for Texas Tech, including a two-run shot in the opener that capped a 10-run outburst. Tech pitchers combined to hold an Arizona offense averaging nearly eight runs per game to just five runs and four earned runs across the twinbill.
In the opener, the Red Raiders rallied from an early 3-2 deficit, tying the game with a solo homer from Logan Hughes — his team-leading 12th of the season — before surging ahead with four consecutive two-out hits in the fifth. Chase Pendley delivered a two-run triple, while Peyton Schulze added a two-run single.
Starter Mac Heuer (2-3) earned the win, allowing three runs (two earned) over six innings with six strikeouts. Jack Cebert tossed two shutout innings in relief, lowering his Big 12 ERA to 1.52.
In the second game, Villeneuve gave Tech a 1-0 lead with a solo home run in the second inning, but Arizona (29-12, 13-7 Big 12) answered with a game-tying homer from Aaron Walton in the sixth and an RBI single by Garen Caufield.
Starter Tyler Boudreau (2-5) struck out eight and allowed just two runs over 5 1/3 innings, taking the tough-luck loss. Trendan Parish provided 3 2/3 scoreless innings of relief, but Tech could not find the equalizer against Arizona’s Owen Kramkowski, who scattered eight hits over seven innings for his seventh win.
The Red Raiders were limited to one run in a game for the first time since opening day.
Texas Tech and Arizona will meet in the rubber match Sunday at 12:30 p.m.
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