Tadlock Upset Defending Champs 5-2

Texas Tech used five runs in the seventh inning with solid pitching and defense to defeat No. 16 Arizona 5-2 on Wednesday in the midweek series finale at Hi Corbett Field.

The Red Raiders knock off their first nationally-ranked opponent of the season while defeating the defending national champion Wildcats on the road. 

Tech's five runs in the seventh came on five base hits while 10 Red Raiders batted in the frame.

Freshman Eric Gutierrez led off the seventh with a single and later scored to tie the game, 1-1, on third baseman Jake Barrios' single to right field. Tech took the lead for good on left fielder Zach Davis' second hit of the game - a single through the right side. Center fielder Brett Bell drove in the third run of the inning with a fielder's choice grounder while sophomore second baseman Bryant Burleson scored a pair of runs with a two-out, two-run single through the left side.

Freshman right-handed pitcher Johnathon Tripp made his first career start in the game for Texas Tech while earning a no decision after 5.1 innings allowing one run on eight hits with three strikeouts and a walk. 

Junior left-handed pitcher Andre Wheeler earned the win with a scoreless 0.2 innings on the hill and senior right-handed pitcher Jerad McCrummen picked up his first save of the season (2nd career) with a three-inning save while giving up only one run.

Burleson went 2-for-4 with two RBI and Davis went 2-for-3 with an RBI to lead the Red Raiders at the plate. 

Arizona reliever Nick Cunningham (0-2) took the loss allowing two runs on three hits with one walk while not recording an out in the seventh inning.

Texas Tech returns home to open a five-game homestand starting this weekend hosting UT Arlington for a three-game series at Dan Law Field at Rip Griffin Park. The Red Raiders and Mavericks will open their series with a 6:30 p.m. first pitch on Friday with a national television audience as the game will be televised on FOX College Sports.