Kuehl picks up third win as Tech improves to 2-0 in Denton

DENTON, Texas – The Red Raiders were in another close battle in their game against Minnesota (4-4) on Friday afternoon. Tech edged out a 2-1 win with a run in the top of the seventh to improve to 2-0 on the day.

Minnesota struck the first blow as they scored by way of an error in the bottom of third.

Besides the lone error the defense shined for Texas Tech (9-3) behind Maddie Kuehl’s dominant outing. The junior went all seven innings, striking out five and allowing just one run, which was unearned.

Arriana Villa, who celebrated her birthday today, made several stellar plays in the outfield. The Golden Gophers had something brewing in the bottom of the fifth inning with the game tied 1-1. Their lead-off batter advanced to third with just one out before Villa saved a run when she caught a fly ball in foul territory and delivered a great throw to catcher Kailey Wyckoff to secure the out at home and keep the game tied.

The first run of the game came off the bat of Riley Love in the top of the fourth who doubled to right center field to score Jacee Hamlin who was pinch running for Carson Armijo. Armijo led off the inning with a triple, the first of her career.

Down to their last three outs, the Red Raiders scrapped together a run in the top of the seventh which was sparked by a lead-off single from Dee McClarity. Raegan Jennings pinch ran for her but got out on a fielder’s choice.

All was redeemed after freshman Logan Halleman laid down a perfect bunt-single and pushed Abbie Orrick to second. Aubrey Barnhart then delivered a clutch double to drive in Orrick and ultimately give the Red Raiders their ninth win of the season.

UP NEXT:  The Red Raiders will play Minnesota and North Texas tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., respectively.