May 23, 2004

Final Stats

LUBBOCK, Texas - A four-run second and a five-run fifth propelled Texas Tech to a 12-6 victory over Baylor in the series finale Sunday at Dan Law Field. The Red Raiders (38-17, 17-9) made good use of 10 Baylor walks and sweep the series from the Bears (27-29, 13-12).

By virtue of Texas A&M's victory Sunday against Texas, the Bears slip to a sixth-place finish in the Big 12 standings. Baylor and Texas Tech, which secured a third-place finish with its win Saturday, will meet again Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament at Ameriquest Field in Arlington.

Despite the loss, Josh Ford continued his late-season tear and made history. Ford hit for the cycle, the first Bear to hit for the cycle in a Big 12 game. It was the first cycle for the Bears since Michael Griffin accomplished the feat May 6, 2003 against Centenary. Ford finished 4-for-4 with two runs and an RBI; he is now 12-for-20 with five home runs, 11 RBI and 31 total bases since hitting a game-winning grand slam May 16 against Nebraska.

Baylor jumped out to a 2-0 lead with runs in each of the first two innings. Reid Brees blasted his third home run of the season with one out in the first, a solo shot off the scoreboard in right-center. With two out in the second, Paul Witt singled to center and plated Josh Ford.

However, the Raiders answered in a big way in the bottom of the second. After Baylor starter Mark McCormick walked the bases loaded, leadoff hitter Josh Brady hit a grand slam to left-center. Tech never trailed again.

The Raiders added a run in the third, two in the fourth and five in the fifth, building a 12-3 lead.

Baylor rallied for three runs on four hits in the top of the seventh. Ford led off the inning with his third home run of the series. Chase Gerdes added a sacrifice fly, and Brees later had an RBI single. Brees finished the day 2-for-5 with two RBI.

McCormick (2-4) worked 3.0-plus innings, exiting the game after walking the first batter in the fourth. He was touched for five runs on just three hits, but five walks against only five strikeouts proved to be McCormick's downfall.

On the day, Baylor pitchers issued 10 walks and hit two batters; seven of those base runners scored.

Texas Tech starter Michael McGowan did not factor in the decision after allowing three runs on seven hits and three walks with two strikeouts in 4.1 innings. Juan Razo (3-3) was the first man out of the pen and got the win after allowing three runs on five hits over 2.1 innings. John Milton closed the door with 2.1 innings of one-hit shutout ball.

Baylor now looks to the eighth annual Big 12 Tournament. The Bears reached the championship game of last year's event, their second championship game appearance in four years.

NOTES: Texas Tech leads the all-time series 64-58, including a 40-19 advantage at Lubbock. The Raiders have won 12 of the last 15 regular season meetings since a Baylor series sweep in Waco during the 1999 season. The Bears have dropped nine straight at Dan Law Field. ... Paul Witt extended his hitting streak to 10 games, a career long. Witt has hit safely in 19 of the last 20 games. ... Josh Ford (six games) and Michael Griffin (four games) also extended hitting streaks. ... Ford moved into sole possession of 10th place on Baylor's career home runs list with his 27th round-tripper.