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Las Vegas – The 15th place Texas Longhorns launched three home runs, using their longtime rivals, Texas Tech, 10-5 top-top Texas Tech at Las Vegas Ballpark on Saturday afternoon.
Texas (8-1) posted the second seven spots, highlighted by a pair of explosions from sophomore Ethan Mendoza and Will Gasparino.
After the Longhorns loaded the base with one out, left fielder Tommy Farmer IV hit the pitch to break the early deadlock.
After two pitches, catcher Railangalvan delivered two RBI doubles to push the lead up to 3-0.
Mendoza continued with a field three-runjack on the other side, before Gasparino closed the bent numbers with a solo shot.
Longhorns expanded its advantage to double digits, plated three more tallies, fifth.
Freshman Adrian Rodriguez put his third career home run on the rocket, while Texas took advantage of multiple Red Raider mistakes to book an offensive explosion.
Redshirt junior left-handed Luke Harrison (2-0) checked out Texas Tech (2-6) in the first five frames. Harrison scored one run with six hits and seven strikeouts in total.
Freshman South Paw Dylan Volantis (1) recorded his first career save and pitched the final three innings. Volantis hit a 5 and did not allow the run he won.
Texas Tech’s right-hander Lucas Pilco (0-1) was charged with loss after tagging more than 1 2/3 frames with seven runs (five wins).
With the victory, Mendoza notched three consecutive multi-hit performances, finishing 2-4 with a 4-4 RBI.
Overall, four longhorns installed at least two hits, but all nine starters reached safely.
The Longhorns will try to win the classic Las Vegas crown on Sunday as Texas plays Illinois. The first pitch is set at 1pm.
