Stephen Smith
LUBBOCK, Texas -- Texas Tech scored three runs in the eighth and ninth innings, capped off by a go-ahead Stephen Smith homer to defeat New Mexico, 4-3, on Saturday night at the NCAA Lubbock Regional.
After a two-out, two-run, pinch-hit single from Ryan Long tied the game at three in the eighth, Stephen Smith launched his 10th homer of the season over the right field fence to push the Red Raiders in front, 4-3. In the bottom half of the inning, Hayden Howard picked off a New Mexico runner at first base with two outs to seal the victory and notch his eighth save of the year.
Ryan Shetter (4-2) tossed two innings of one-hit relief to earn the win. New Mexico's Christian Tripp took the loss, falling to 2-2 on the year.
With Tech trailing 3-1 in the top of the eighth, Cory Raley drew a one-out walk to chase UNM starter Tyler Stevens, who threw 7 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on three hits. Two batters later, Eric Gutierrez laced a single to left centerfield, and Hunter Hargrove walked on four pitches to set the stage for Long's heroics.
The Red Raiders (43-16) advance to the NCAA Lubbock Regional Final, where they will take on the winner of an elimination game between Dallas Baptist and New Mexico at 6 p.m. Sunday.
