Fritz’s 12 punch outs powers Tech past Buffalo

EL PASO, Texas – Senior Kendall Fritz shined in her second start the season, tallying 12 punchouts to power Texas Tech past Buffalo, 3-1, in game one of the Dr. Diana Natalicio Memorial Tournament Thursday at Helen of Troy Field.  

Fritz (1-0) surrendered just one run to Buffalo (1-4), which came in the bottom of the first, before the squad hung six straight zeroes to earn the win.  

The 12-strikeout performance today matches Fritz’s career-high set while she was at Nevada. The Frisco, Texas native also struck out 12 versus Oregon State as a second-year freshman.   

A hit by pitch put the lead off runner on for the Bulls. The two-hole hitter, Abbey Nagel, then roped a double to left-center that plated Buffalo’s lone run of the contest.  

The middle innings of the contest were quiet for both sides as Fritz fanned five batters to keep the contest moving.  

Texas Tech (4-2) got on the board in the top of the fifth inning after Kailey Wyckoff knocked a one-out double to shallow left field. With two outs, Makinzy Herzog then smashed a double to left field to tie the ballgame. Arriana Villa followed right behind Herzog with a double of her own to hand the Red Raiders the lead.  

After Fritz retired the side in the bottom half of the fifth frame, Peyton Blythe blasted her second home run of the season, this time a solo shot over deep center field, to give Tech a 3-1 lead in the top of the sixth.  

Erna Carlin entered in relief in the bottom of the sixth and struck out the final batter of the inning to send the matchup into the final inning. After a quiet offensive half for the Red Raiders, Carlin gave up a leadoff walk in the bottom of the seventh. Fritz would then check back into the circle and sit down the next three batters to solidify the win.  

Julia Tarantino (0-2) suffered the loss for the Bulls after allowing seven hits, three runs and a walk.  

Next Up
Texas Tech returns to action in day two of the Dr. Diana Natalicio Memorial Tournament tomorrow at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. The Red Raiders will take on Santa Clara and host UTEP.  

–TECH–

Release provided by Hanna Cooper Texas Tech Athletics