Red Raiders Top New Mexico Off Kieschnick`s Bat

LUBBOCK, Texas - Sophomore right fielder Roger Kieschinck went 5-for-5 with five multiple base hits to help the Red Raiders overcome a six-run deficit as Texas Tech defeated New Mexico 10-8 on Tuesday afternoon at Isotopes Park in Albuquerque. The win gives Texas Tech an overall record of 10-4 on the season while New Mexico falls to 6-8. The season long series between these two border rivals is now tied at 1-1 with the next game scheduled for April 17 in Lubbock. Sophomore outfielder Roger Kieschnick gave Texas Tech and early 1-0 lead when he belted a one-out solo home run in the bottom of the first inning. The Red Raider lead wouldn`t last long as Tech starter Sam Janca gave up a run in the bottom of the first and two in the bottom of the second that gave UNM a 3-1 lead. Janca, a true freshman from Georgetown, surrendered three hits (one home run) and three walks and struckout two in his first career start as a Red Raider. New Mexico freshman right fielder Adam Courcha, who homered in the second, drove in two more runs in the bottom of the third with a double to the gap in left center field that made the score 5-1. Kyle Martin plated Tech`s second run of the ballgame in the top of the fourth with an RBI single to left field. Martin`s single scored Roger Kieschnick who led off the frame with a double to the gap in left center. New Mexico pushed its lead to 8-2 with a run in the fourth and two more in the bottom of the fifth off Tech reliever Trey Schurr. The Red Raiders got back into the ball game with a three-run sixth inning. Kieschnick led off the frame with his second home run of the game that made the score 8-3. Freshman center fielder Taylor Ashby drove in the second run of the inning with a sacrifice fly to center and Tech plated its final run on a two-out fielding error by Lobo third baseman Ian Hollick. A pair of runs in the top of the seventh pulled Red Raiders within one, but Tech was unable to tie the game as the Red Raiders left the bases loaded after UNM reliever Scott Gracey entered the game and recorded two crucial outs to end the threat. Kieschnick picked up his fourth hit of the game in the inning when he laced an RBI triple the gap in right-center field. Kyle Martin made up for Tech`s mistakes in the seventh as he gave the Red Raiders a 10-8 lead with a two-run home run in the top of the eighth. Martin`s home run followed up an RBI groundout by Matt Smith that tied the game at 8-8 as he drove in Chris Hall who reached on his second double of the game. Kieschnick continued his power hitting as he added his fifth multiple base hit of the day with a double that bounced off the wall in right field. Kieschnick wrapped up his career day by going 5-for-5 with two home runs, two doubles and a triple. It marks the first time in known history, that a Red Raider collected five multiple base hits in a single game. As effective as Kieschnick was at the plate, freshman right-hander Paul Gonzales was equally impressive from the mound. Gonzalez (1-1) entered the game in the seventh inning and retired nine of 10 batters to pick up his first career win. Scott Gracey was charged with the loss for New Mexico as he gave up three runs in 1 2/3 innings of relief. Texas Tech returns home to Dan Law Field on Friday for a three-game series against the Cal-State Northridge Matadors. First pitch on Friday is set for 6:30 p.m. (Texas Tech Release)