Texas Tech’s scoreless Big 12 Tournament run ended in the title game as Arizona State rode Kenzie Brown’s gem to a 4-0 championship win.
Texas Tech softball’s dominant Big 12 Tournament run came to a frustrating halt Saturday in Oklahoma City, where Arizona State beat the Red Raiders 4-0 to claim the Big 12 Championship.
The loss ended a remarkable stretch for Texas Tech, which entered the title game having not allowed a run in its previous five tournament games.
The Red Raiders had built a 33-inning scoreless streak and swept Arizona State during the regular season on the way to winning the Big 12 regular-season title.
This time, though, the Sun Devils flipped the script.
Arizona State pitcher Kenzie Brown controlled the game from start to finish, striking out nine and allowing just two hits in a complete-game shutout.
Texas Tech had a couple of early chances, but Brown and the Sun Devils’ defense kept the Red Raiders from finding any rhythm at the plate.
Taylor Pannell doubled to open the second inning, giving Tech one of its best scoring opportunities.
But back-to-back strikeouts killed the threat. Logan Halleman added a seventh-inning single, but the Red Raiders couldn’t extend the rally.
The decisive moment came in the third inning, when Arizona State struck for four runs.
The Sun Devils attacked early in counts and launched three home runs in the frame, turning a tight game into a commanding lead.
Three of the four runs were unearned, but the damage was enough.
NiJaree Canady still gave Texas Tech a strong effort in the circle.
She struck out nine and allowed just one earned run over 6.2 innings. Kaitlyn Terry also recorded a strikeout in relief.
Now, Texas Tech turns its attention to the NCAA Tournament. The Red Raiders will learn their regional destination and opening opponent during Sunday’s selection show at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN2.
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