In game one, ASU couldn’t break through against Texas Tech’s pitching, with NiJaree Canady and Caroline Riassetto combining for a shutout. A single from Nehanda Lewis in the third inning was all the offense the Sun Devils could manage.
The Red Raiders’ offense broke through in the third inning, putting up six runs. They completed the run-rule with three runs in the bottom of the fifth.
The second game was a much closer affair, largely thanks to a stellar outing from Kenzie Brown. Brown kept Texas Tech scoreless for five innings, striking out 11, but a late surge in the sixth sealed the Sun Devils’ fate.
The best scoring opportunity for ASU came in the sixth when they put two runners on with one out. Tiare Ho-Ching continued her hot hitting with a leadoff single to center. Replay forced her back to first after an apparent bunt from Ashleigh Mejia, and a TTU throwing error was overturned. That was followed by a single from Tanya Windle. However, Canady entered the circle for TTU and shut the door, striking out the next two ASU batters to strand both runners.
Earlier in the third inning, the Sun Devils threatened with back-to-back singles from Lewis and Ho-Ching, but a fielder’s choice erased a runner, and Texas Tech executed a caught stealing to end the frame before ASU could break through.
The decisive sixth inning saw the Red Raiders plate three runs, sparked by an RBI single from Rylee Jennings and a two-RBI hit by Viviana Valdez. Arizona State had a chance to rally in the top of the seventh but couldn’t overcome the deficit.
Ho-Ching led the Sun Devils with a 3-for-3 performance at the plate. Brown notched her 10th outing of the season with double-digit strikeouts.
ASU and Texas Tech will close the series on Sunday. The final game of the regular season for the Sun Devils will start at 10 a.m. AZT.
Press Release courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics – Josh Fisher
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