The Red Raiders rally from four down, forcing extras, but late heroics fall just short against Arkansas.
ARLINGTON — Texas Tech baseball showed serious fight Sunday afternoon at Globe Life Field, but a late Arkansas surge spoiled what nearly became a signature early-season win.
The Red Raiders (0-3) erased a four-run deficit against No. 7 Arkansas before ultimately dropping a 6-5 decision in 11 innings.
It was the Razorbacks’ third straight one-run victory over Tech and another reminder of how thin the margin is against top-10 competition.
After managing just two hits through seven innings, Texas Tech’s offense flipped the script late. Senior infielder Tracer Lopez jumpstarted the comeback with a sacrifice fly in the eighth, trimming the lead and injecting life into the dugout.
An inning later, Tech’s patience at the plate paid off. Logan Hughes worked a leadoff walk, freshman shortstop Linkin Garcia followed with a single, and catcher Matt Quintanar battled through a lengthy at-bat to help load the bases.
Hollis Porter narrowly missed extra bases on a 104-mph rocket to left, but the Red Raiders kept grinding.
Jace Souza, making his first start of 2026, reached base three times via walk, including a key free pass that brought Tech within two runs.
Kyeler Thompson was hit by a pitch to cut it to 4-3, setting the stage for Lopez. The veteran delivered a clutch two-run single to left field - his first hit of the season - giving the Red Raiders their first lead of the afternoon at 5-4.
On the mound, Weatherford native Will Jordan was electric in relief. The right-hander struck out the side in the eighth and finished with multiple punchouts, showcasing swing-and-miss stuff. However, Arkansas’ Cam Kozeal spoiled the party in the ninth, launching a 415-foot solo home run on an 0-2 pitch to tie the game at 5-5.
Texas Tech's pitching was sharp overall, recording 14 strikeouts across 10-plus innings.
Sophomore Connor Mohan impressed in his first career Sunday start, tossing 3.2 innings while allowing just one earned run and striking out five. Freshman Jesse Rusinek flashed a 94-97 mph sinker in his debut, and Jonny Lowe delivered 1.2 steady innings out of the bullpen.
Arkansas sealed the win in the 11th when Maika Niu lifted a sacrifice fly to score Damian Ruiz, ending the contest in walk-off fashion.
Despite the loss, Texas Tech’s late offensive surge and bullpen performance offered encouraging signs. The Red Raiders now turn their focus to UTRGV on Tuesday night, looking to translate Sunday’s grit into their first victory of the 2026 season.