Hawkeyes Drop Series Opener to Texas Tech

LUBBOCK, Texas – The 23rd ranked University of Iowa baseball team was defeated, 17-5, on Friday night by No. 21 Texas Tech on Dan Law Field at Rip Griffin Park.

“Strange game,” said Rick Heller. “It was almost a mirror image of one another where both team’s pitching staffs fell behind all night. Walked guys, walked leadoff guys. The only difference was when we did it, they made us pay. They delivered the blow when they got runners in scoring position or bases loaded.”

The Hawkeyes were outhit 15-6 as they fell in the series opener to the Red Raiders.

“We never capitalized,” said Heller. “We weren’t able to turn it into a true slugfest back and forth. With the amount of free bases we gave up that was the only hope to have a chance to win tonight.”

Ty Langenberg got the start for Iowa throwing two innings and allowing three runs and taking the loss. Jared Simpson, Jack Whitlock, and Nick Gottilla combined to throw the final six innings.

“The pitching side was disappointing,” said Heller. “Didn’t play well defensively. Can’t say much when you fall behind in the count all night, walk leadoff guys. Give up runs after you score runs. You aren’t going to win many of those, especially against a really good hitting team like Texas Tech. They were able to make us pay, and we weren’t able to counter when we had our opportunities.”

Brennen Dorighi and Radier Tello had multi-hit games for the Hawkeyes. Dorighi was 2-for-4 and Tello went 2-for-5 at the plate.

Of Note

  • Iowa moves to 1-1 on the season in games against ranked opponents.
  • Keaton Anthony extended his on base streak to 27 games dating back to last season.
  • Anthony, Tello and Dorighi have reached bases safely in all 12 games to start the season.

Up Next

The Hawkeyes and the Red Raiders continue their three-game series tomorrow afternoon at 2 p.m. Brody Brecht will get the start for Iowa and will matchup with Mason Molina for Texas Tech. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ ($) and the Hawkeye Radio Network.