Texas Tech Baseball Team Got It Done Using The Unthinkable

The Red Raiders (15-8) and Sun Devils (12-5-1) had three ties and four lead changes in the three hour and 40 minute contest that ended with Jake Barrios and Scott LeJeune recording a hit-by-pitch and full-count walk, respectively, with two outs and the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning.

Texas Tech has now won five of its last six and eight of its last 10 games overall and improved to 11-2 at home this season. The Sun Devils dropped their third straight game to the Red Raiders, including last season's 8-4 decision in Tempe. 

With the score tied at six heading into the ninth inning, Arizona State received a lead-off single from second baseman James McDonald, and two batters later Jake Peevyhouse drove in McDonald with an RBI single up the middle to give the Sun Devils a 7-6 lead heading into the bottom of the ninth inning.

Tech started its rally with one out in the ninth as freshman first baseman Eric Gutierrez and freshman designated hitter Jarrard Poteete both reached base with a walk. A wild pitch by ASU reliever Ryan Burr sent pinch runner A.J. Florence (running for Gutierrez) and Poteete both into scoring position. 

Proudfoot went down swinging to put Arizona State an out away from the victory.

Junior catcher Mason Randolph worked a full-count walk to load the bases while Barrios took a 1-1 pitch off the back of his left arm to score the game-tying run. 

LeJeune entered the game as a pinch hitter and worked a full count from Burr as he took ball four and Poteete came in to score giving the Red Raiders the 8-7 win while not one ball was put in play during the bottom of the ninth-inning walk-off victory.

Senior right-handed pitcher Jerad McCrummen (1-2) earned the win pitching a scoreless inning while allowing one base hit. In addition, McCrummen made his 60th career appearance in the game which set a new school record for career appearances by a three-year Red Raider. 

Burr (0-1) took the loss allowing two runs on four walks with two strikeouts in one inning of work.

Texas Tech was led at the plate by junior Devon Conley (2-for-5, 2 runs, RBI) and Randolph, who went 2-for-4 with a run scored, two doubles and two RBI. 

The Sun Devils were led offensively by McDonald (3-for-5, 3 runs) and Peevyhouse (3-for-5, 4 RBI).

The Red Raiders will be back in Big 12 play this weekend making their first-ever trip to West Virginia while taking on the Mountaineers in a three-game series in Charleston, W. Va., March 22-24, at Appalachian Power Park - home of the Pittsburgh Pirates Single-A affiliate the West Virginia Power.