Feb. 3, 2006

Box Score |  Notes

LUBBOCK, Texas - Josh Tomlin allowed just one run on three hits over six innings and freshman Roger Kieschnick pounded out a game-high six RBI to lead Texas Tech to a 21-5 win over Louisiana-Monroe in the season-opener on Friday afternoon at Dan Law Field.

The Red Raiders (1-0) got a solid combination of pitching, offense and defense on the afternoon that led to Tech's eighth straight win on opening day. The 21-run explosion was the highest scoring opening day for the Red Raiders since the 2001 season when Tech defeated Howard 21-0 and 25-0 in a January 26th doubleheader.

Tech took an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning on an RBI sacrifice by freshman Roger Kieschnick and a solo home run by junior transfer Tyler Reves. Reves' first career home run for the Red Raiders came on the first offering by Louisiana-Monroe's Steve Lawler.

Tech tacked on four more runs in the bottom of the second on a defensive miscue and four walks by Lawler that gave the Red Raiders a 6-0 lead.

With a six run lead, the Red Raiders rode the arm of Josh Tomlin (1-0) who went on to pitch six innings allowing one run on three hits and struckout two. Tomlin's six-inning season debut marked the best opening day start for a Tech hurler since Randy Gattis logged six innings against Campbell in 2004.

The Red Raiders blew the game open by scoring 12 runs in the final two innings to make the final score 21-5. Sophomore catcher Matt Smith highlighted a five-run seventh inning with a three-run blast to left field. The home run was the third of his career.

Freshman left fielder Roger Kieschnick delivered the game's biggest hit and the knockout blow in the eighth when he punched out grand slam that sailed into the bullpen in right field. Kieschnick finished the day 2-for-4 with three runs scored and a game-high six RBI.

Junior designated hitter Tyler Reves led the Tech offensive charge going 3-for-4 at the plate with two walks and an RBI. Steve Lawler (0-1) suffered the loss for Louisiana-Monroe after he surrendered six runs on three hits while walking four in just two innings.

The Red Raiders will try and clinch the series on Saturday afternoon when they host Louisiana-Monroe in the second of this three-game series. Freshman right-hander Miles Morgan will draw the start for Texas Tech while the Indians will counter with right-hander David Mixon. First pitch is set for 2 p.m.