Texas Tech University Athletics
Texas Tech Athletics
Missouri
Red Raiders Drop Big 12 Opener
February 25, 2000 | Baseball
Feb. 25, 2000
The Texas Tech baseball team opened the conference portion of the schedule with a 16-14 loss in extra innings at Dan Law Field on Friday afternoon. The Red Raiders scored six runs in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game at 14, but a Nick Wilfong's second home run of the game put Missouri up for good in the top of the 10th.
Missouri jumped out to an early lead by scoring 10 runs in the first three innings. Texas Tech starter Kevin Tracey lasted just one inning, allowing five runs on five hits and a walk. The Red Raiders had plenty of chances to score as they left a season-high 14 men on base.
Down 14-8 going into the bottom of the ninth, Tech scored six runs on six hits, but left the bases loaded. Mark Austry lead off the inning with his first home run of the season as the first seven Red Raider batters reached base. Chaz Eiguren highlighted the inning with a three-run blast off the scoreboard in right-center field to tie the game at 14-14.
In the top of the 10th, Tech pitcher Clancy Fossum allowed a leadoff single to Landon Brandes. Steve Rowe came in to relieve Fossum and Wilfong wasted no time in giving Missouri the lead with a two-run shot to right field. In the bottom of the 10th, Marco Cunningham started the inning with a single to left field, but Missouri pitcher Ryan Stegall retired the next three batters to seal the win for the Tigers.
Texas Tech is now 7-7 on the season and 0-1 in the Big 12 while Missouri improved their record to 5-4 overall and 1-0 in the conference. Game two of the three-game series will be tomorrow at 1 p.m. Sunday's finale is also scheduled for a 1 p.m. first pitch.
