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Texas Tech Blanks Texas, 4-0, to Even Series
April 25, 2015 | Softball
April 25, 2015
The shutout was Tech's first over the Longhorns (32-13; 7-4) in almost a decade as the Red Raiders (22-25; 6-8) last blanked Texas on April 26, 2005, with a 2-0 victory in Austin. This was only the third shutout of Texas in over 40 meetings between the two in-state rivals.
The Red Raiders had not previously shut out a Big 12 opponent since exactly a year ago when Tech crushed Iowa State, 15-0, on April 25, 2014. It was Tech's third shutout this season and first since run-ruling Mississippi Valley State, 8-0, on March 13.
Moore (9-7) allowed eight hits and one walk en route to her second combined shutout this season. She managed to keep herself out of trouble throughout the outing by utilizing a Tech defense that was error-free for the sixth time in the last nine games.
Texas had its leadoff hitter reach base in five of seven innings but struggled with runners on base, hitting only .125 (2-for-16) in such situations. The Longhorns ended the game with seven runners left on base.
Moore was relieved with one out in the seventh inning by Cara Custer after Texas connected on back-to-back singles from Marlee Gabaldon and Erin Shireman to put runners on the corners with just one out.
Custer fooled Stephanie Ceo with a changeup for the second out before Devon Tunning grounded into a fielder's choice to close the shutout. The save was Custer's second this season and ninth of her career, moving her into sole possession of first place in Tech history.
The Red Raiders handed Moore an early lead with three runs in the first inning. Tech is now 12-2 this year and 4-1 during Big 12 play when scoring in the opening frame.
Texas starter Gabby Smith (9-3) struggled with her command early, walking each of the first four batters she faced before giving up a pair of RBI singles to both Ashley Fultz and Susan Welborn. Jordan Bettiol scored Tech's other run off a wild pitch.
Welborn's single through the left side cut Smith's outing short as she lasted just two-thirds off an inning, earning the loss after surrendering three runs off two hits and four walks.
Devon Thomey recorded the only hit off Texas reliever Erica Wright as she drilled a leadoff home run over the fence in right field to start the fifth inning. It was Thomey's seventh home run this season and second of the series as she previously led off the fourth inning Friday night with a solo blast.
The victory marks the second-straight season where Tech and Texas will determine the series winner as the two schools also split the opening two games a year ago.
Tech will look for its second series victory over Texas all-time when the two teams meet again at 12 p.m. Sunday afternoon.
Sellout, Shutout, and 4-0 Victory over ut! Thank you Red Raider Nation! #proudtobearedraider
- Adrian Gregory (@CoachGregoryTTU) April 25, 2015
SB: Today's attendance - 1,257 - SELLOUT and a new Rocky Johnson Field record. Thank you fans! #WreckEm
-- TechGameday (@TechGameday) April 25, 2015
