March 20, 2009
Box Score | Quotes
WACO, Texas - Raynor Campbell's bases-loaded triple off the batter's eye capped a six-run third inning as No. 9 Baylor overcame an early two-run deficit for an 8-4 victory over Texas Tech in Friday night's Big 12 Conference series opener at Baylor Ballpark. Baylor (13-4, 2-2) moved to 9-1 at home this season, winning its eighth straight home game.
After the Bears got an unearned run in the bottom of the first, Texas Tech (8-13, 2-2) scored three runs on two hits, three walks and a Baylor error in the top of the second. Taylor Ashby's one-out RBI single tied the game, and Campbell's two-out fielding error allowed the second and third runs of the inning.
However, Campbell atoned for his error in the third. Consecutive singles from Brooks Pinckard, Joey Hainsfurther and Dustin Dickerson plated the first run, and Shaver Hansen was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Aaron Miller followed with an RBI single to tie the game at 3-3. Two batters later, Lucas Hileman drew a bases-loaded walk to put the Bears ahead for good. After a Gregg Glime fielder's choice, Campbell drilled a 2-1 pitch off the wall in center, clearing the bases and pushing Baylor's lead to 7-3.
Tech got a run in the fifth when Michael Reed doubled to open the frame and later scored on Scott LeJeune's two-out RBI single. Adam Hornung drew a one-out walk in the bottom of the fifth and later scored on Gregg Glime's two-out RBI single, capping the scoring at 8-4.
That gave Baylor starter Kendal Volz (2-1) the most run support he had enjoyed since Feb. 29, 2008, a span of 15 starts. The Bears' also scored more than five runs in a Volz Big 12 start since May 19, 2007, a span of 10 starts. The end result was Volz earning his first Big 12 victory since April 15, 2007, at Kansas. Volz allowed four runs, two earned, on a career-high 10 hits and three walks with six strikeouts over 5.2 innings.
From there, Aaron Miller shut the door to earn his first career save. He entered the game with two outs and two on base in the sixth and struck out Reed to end the inning. Miller did not allow a hit but walked four with six strikeouts over 3.1 innings.
Tech starter Miles Morgan (1-3) took the loss after allowing eight runs, six earned, on seven hits and two walks with seven strikeouts over 4.1 innings. Cory Large held the Bears scoreless on one hit and no walks with five strikeouts the rest of the way.
Pinckard had Baylor's lone multiple-hit game, going 2-for-4 with two runs scored. Reed and Willie Rueda each had two hits for the Red Raiders.
Baylor and Tech continue their series Saturday with a 6:30 p.m. CDT first pitch at Baylor Ballpark. Bears' right-hander Logan Verrett (5-0, 2.37 ERA) is scheduled to make his first career start, while the Red Raiders send right-hander AJ Ramos (2-0, 1.53 ERA) to the mound.
ROTATION NOTE: Baylor right-hander Shawn Tolleson has been scratched from the rotation; he was scheduled to start Sunday's series finale. Baylor has not named a starter for Sunday's game.
NOTES: Texas Tech leads the all-time series 70-67; however, the Bears are 42-24 against the Red Raiders in Waco. €¦ Baylor is 20-29 against Texas Tech during head coach Steve Smith's tenure. €¦ Texas Tech has not won a series opener at Baylor since 2001. The team that won the series opener has won 11 of the 12 series during the Big 12 era, including all six played at Baylor Ballpark. €¦ Baylor improved to 10-3 this season when its starter lasts at least 5.0 innings. €¦ Baylor improved to 9-1 this season in night games. €¦ Baylor is 4-0 this season on Friday and 5-0 in white jerseys. €¦ Baylor improved to 9-0 this season when the temperature at first pitch is 70-plus degrees. €¦ Miller extended his career-long hitting streak to 13 games; he also has reached safely in each game this season. €¦ Hileman (five games), Hainsfurther (four games), Dickerson (four games) and Pinckard (three games) all extended hitting streaks, while Shaver Hansen's five-game run ended.
