Long’s Grand Slam Not Enough for Tech, Titans Complete Sweep of Red Raiders
Sophomore Ryan Long hit a grand slam for his first career home run in the eighth inning, but No. 5 Texas Tech's comeback fell short in a 6-5 loss to No. 30 Cal State Fullerton on Sunday afternoon in front of 1,623 fans at Goodwin Field.
The Red Raiders (10-4) suffered their first series sweep of the season, while the Titans (9-5) extended their current win streak to seven games.
Tech trailed 6-1 in the eighth inning before Long crushed a fastball over the right-center field wall to put the Red Raiders within a run.
The Red Raiders had the tying run in scoring position in the ninth as junior Cory Raley reached on an infield single and advanced to second on a wild pitch. But Cal State Fullerton closer Tyler Peitzmeier got the strikeout to end the game and post his second save in as many games.
Red Raider sophomore and left-handed pitcher Dylan Dusek (2-1) suffered his first career loss in the shortest start in his career going 1.1 innings allowing two runs on four hits with a walk.
Fullerton starting pitcher John Gavin (2-0) went five innings to earn the win allowing a run on three hits with three strikeouts and a walk.
Texas Tech used five pitchers in relief that combined allowed only one base hit, but the Red Raiders bullpen issued eight walks - three of which scored runs.
Eight Red Raiders posted a base hit in the game while no Red Raider had more than one hit.
Cal State Fullerton improves to 4-1 all-time against the Red Raiders with all five meetings in Fullerton. Tech drops to 22-28 all-time in games played in California.
Texas Tech will return home for a midweek series with New Mexico Statewith the series opener slated for Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Dan Law Field at Rip Griffin Park.