Rice Owls Hand Texas Tech Their First Loss of the Season

The Red Raiders are off to one of their best starts of the Tim Tadlock Era, but that undefeated home stand to start the season fell apart in their first game away from Dan Law Field at Rip Griffin Park when the Rice Owls beat them 3-2 to end their winning streak at 10.

Still, a 10-1 streak is nothing to sneeze at with so many freshmen and newcomers on the roster the Red Raiders are poised to have a fantastic season. The Texas Tech offense, which was dynamic at home during their opening stand, stalled out in the opening game at Minute Maid which is hosting the field for the Shriners Children's College Classic.

This is my first time ever at Minute Maid, but I've been to several College Classics including the Red Raiders past two opening weekends in Arlington at Globe Life Field. For whatever reason, Texas Tech has not performed well in these events, but they get two more opportunities this weekend with Michigan and Texas A&M due up on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

Against the Rice Owls, Brendon Girton started off with fantastic pace striking out four batters in the first two innings, but found some trouble in the 3rd and 4th, giving up a two-run home run in the 4th. Texas Tech scored two in the top of the 7th, but Rice responded with a home run in the bottom of the same inning against Andrew Devine. Rice would keep that lead.

Texas Tech was the road team today and had two on in the top of the 9th inning, but could not tie the game as freshman Tracer Lopez struck out swinging to end the contest.

Michigan and Texas Tech's first pitch is scheduled for 11:00 am on Saturday morning.