A pitching duel and defensive struggle ended in unexpected fashion as the Texas Tech Red Raiders took advantage of a huge California error in the bottom of the eighth to escape with a 4-2 win Friday afternoon at Dan Law Field.
Orlando Garcia’s bunt attempt in the bottom of the eighth inning was airmailed over third base by Cal pitcher Erik Martinez, allowing the two Tech go-ahead runs to score in what had been a 1-1 deadlock. Garcia later scored on a double play by Michael Davis to give Tech an insurance run.
Tech, which improved to 5-1 on the season, will continue the four-game series against California with a double-header on Saturday, followed by a single game on Sunday at noon.