Arizona baseball drops series to Texas Tech after 9th-inning comeback falls short
The high noon heat brought out the hitting for both Arizona and Texas Tech on Sunday, as there was no shortage of hits and runs. The Wildcats nearly had a miraculous come back from down five in the 9th but went on to lose 12-10. It was the Red Raiders’ 6-run 7th inning that ultimately won the series.
Arizona (8-15, 2-4 Big 12) will have to wait until next week to try and earn its first Big 12 series win. “We just keep taking a step forward, like last night, and then a couple steps back,” coach Chip Hale said, referring to Saturday’s 14-6 win over Tech. Luc Fladda started his day strong with back to back strikeouts but only played through three innings.
He finished with four strikeouts but five earned runs. Three pitchers came in after Fladda before Matthew Martinez finished out the day. Nate Novitske got the day started with a double down the left field line.
Tony Lira then went the distance to center field to give Arizona the early 2-0 lead. However, Texas Tech responded and put up five runs in the second inning to take a 5-2 lead. Caleb Danzeisen doubled down the left field line, similar to Novitske.
Lira singled to center field after it was dropped and a throwing error from Texas Tech allowed Danzeisen to go to third and Lira to second. Maddox Mihalakis singled to bring in both runners and brought Arizona within one. A pop up and single later, Jackson Forbes ’ sac bunt brought in Mihalakis to tie the game at five a piece.