LUBBOCK, TX — Texas Tech was unable to overcome a seven-run third inning by UTRGV and a lengthy weather delay, falling 13-4 Tuesday afternoon at Rip Griffin Park in the opener of a two-game midweek series.
UTRGV (29-15) broke open a 2-2 game in the third inning, capitalizing on a Texas Tech fielding error before launching back-to-back home runs—a three-run shot by Steven Lancia and a grand slam by Damien Whitfield—to take a commanding 9-2 lead.
Texas Tech (15-25) had tied the game in the second inning on an RBI single by Kyeler Thompson and a sacrifice fly from Antonelli Savattere. The Red Raiders looked poised to answer in the bottom of the third when Damian Bravo tripled with two outs, but a lightning delay halted play for three hours and 22 minutes.
UTRGV starter Robert Bonilla returned after the delay and promptly recorded a groundout to end the inning, stranding Bravo at third.
The Vaqueros extended their lead with a run in the fourth and a two-run homer from Armani Raygoza in the fifth. Logan Hughes responded with a two-run home run in the bottom of the fifth—his team-leading 14th of the season and fourth in the last six games—but Texas Tech was shut out the rest of the way.
UTRGV relievers Nick Nolan and Steven Olivia combined for 4 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and two walks.
The series concludes Wednesday with first pitch scheduled for 6 p.m. at Rip Griffin Park.
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