The Texas Tech baseball team scored a school-record 32 runs Friday in its home opener against Texas Southern at Dan Law Field at Rip Griffin Park.
Texas Tech coach Tim Tadlock was pleased to see his team play well, and acknowledged as much during his postgame availability. But, the 12th-year coach was quick to point out that Texas Southern was one play away from getting out of a crooked inning in the first before things got out of hand.
In short, Tadlock expects the Tigers to bounce back and play better than a five-error performance showed.
Here’s what the Red Raiders coach said about other aspects of the 27-run win over Texas Southern.
On lineup’s patient approach early in game
“I thought early, Tracer (Lopez) went up and had a good at-bat. (Austin) Green did the same. Guys just kinda followed them. … Had some good at-bats, some good swings in there. I don’t think it was supposed to be four or five runs. I think they’re capable of the routine ground ball (play that resulted in an error) at second. And that’s kinda when we scored more than we probably should’ve. I’m sure they’ll come back and be better tomorrow.”
Thoughts on the No. 32 and scoring that many runs
“It really doesn’t mean anything. It means you won the game. Really, we’re probably just as happy winning the game 3-2 as we are for whatever the score was (today). To me, we’re aspiring to play baseball at the highest level we can — for each guy, and our team. I don’t think we were close to that today, no matter what the runs say.”
On starting pitcher Kyle Robinson’s performance
“I thought he was better last week (against Tennessee), which is to be expected, sometimes. You go from Globe Life over there to and sometimes there’s a little bit a of lull the next week. The guys get a little amped up, even opening weekend. He probably didn’t command the ball the way he wants to command it. But guys that can pitch when they don’t have their good stuff, figure out a way. And he figured out a way.”
On freshman Landon Stripling working his way into the lineup
“He swung the bat really good on Wednesday (last week). Came off the bench on Tuesday, I wanna say. Swung the bat good, had really good at-bats on Wednesday. … He had some hits, he drove in seven. And usually when you get five hits, you have some of that — you have some luck go your way. Proud of the way he played today.”
On Gavin Kash not being in the lineup, replaced by Landon Stripling at first base
“More than anything, Stripling played really good on Tuesday and Wednesday (last week). I wanted to give him the start at first base.”
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