Utah Baseball defeated Texas Tech 12–2 on Apr. 18, securing a series victory with a seven-inning run-rule win at Charlie Monfort Field at America First Ballpark.
The Utes, now holding a record of 19-15 overall and 8-9 in the Big 12, broke open the game with a seven-run fourth inning and maintained control throughout. Utah finished with 15 hits and scored multiple runs in both the sixth and seventh innings, ending the contest early under the conference’s run rule.
The day also marked a special occasion as Utah welcomed back its 2016 team for the tenth anniversary of its Pac-12 Championship victory. Nearly every member of that championship squad returned to campus along with their families, many visiting America First Ballpark for the first time.
Jake Long led Utah’s offense by going three-for-three at bat, including a solo home run and a sacrifice fly that contributed to his three RBIs. Matt Flaharty hit his first home run of the season while Luke Jacobs recorded both a double and triple, driving in two runs. Eight different Utes players registered hits, and eight scored at least one run; every player reached base safely during the game.
Pitcher Payton Riske improved his record to three wins and two losses after allowing just one run over four-and-one-third innings while striking out two batters. Dylan Gazaway provided relief by pitching two-and-two-thirds innings with three strikeouts and only one earned run allowed.
Looking ahead, Utah will attempt to sweep Texas Tech in Sunday’s series finale scheduled for 1 p.m. Mountain Time at America First Ballpark.
