Sports

Texas Tech Baseball: Wrapping Up the Regular Season

Red Raider Dru Baker hits a ball against OU in game two.

Texas Tech versus Kansas Series  

Texas Tech Baseball this season is having a historic season, and with their Big 12 Conference regular season coming to an end, they will look to be wrapping up the regular season strong. The Red Raiders are currently 33-12 overall and ranked No. 7 in the nation, and are currently 12-9 in the conference. With a successful regular season, the Red Raiders will wrap up conference play. In a three-game series against the Kansas Jayhawks at home at Dan Law Field at Rip Griffin Park. 

Kansas Series 

        The Kansas Jayhawks are coming off a series win against their in-state rival Kansas State. Now unranked and sitting at 28-24, will look to gain momentum heading into the postseason. With a 7-14 Big 12 Conference record, the Jayhawks are in a much different seat than the Red Raiders. Who are looking to finish the season with a chance to place top three in the conference. 

Players to keep an eye on

With a season that many would consider is salvageable, the Jayhawks will have to take care of business when up to bat. Kansas currently only has two players who average above a .300 when up to bat. Those two players being Skyler Messinger and Tavian Josenberger.

Messinger and Josenberger

        Skyler Messinger is an infielder who stands at 6’3 and weighs 220 pounds, and in combination with his speed and size. Could be a significant threat for the Red Raiders. The Colorado native from Niwot, Colorado, is classified as a junior. He also leads the team in batting average with a .317, and has stayed batting consistently throughout the season. The Red Raiders will need to have a strong outing pitching and minimize errors to contain Messinger with all factors considered. 

        The other Jayhawk to keep an eye on is Tavian Josenberger, from Kansas City, Missouri, a freshman. The 6’0’ 170-pound infielder is arguably one of the more athletic players for the Jayhawks. With a .312 batting average in his first season of college, baseball will look to do big things to add to his already impressive resume. Coming out of high school, Josenberger was ranked as the No. 1 player in the state of Missouri and is second in hits on the team. He is only falling six shits shy of Messinger, who leads the team with 60 for the season. With all the different factors, he will be a significant threat from both sides of the ball. 

Stopping the Jayhawks 

        The key to stopping the Kansas Jayhawks? Pitching and minimal mistakes. With the team somewhat having a down season when up to bat, the Red Raiders will need to capitalize and have a strong outing when pitching. By doing so, they will have the ability to keep the Jayhawks off base and keep them from gaining moment. Which is when they are arguably are at their best. 

        On the other side of the ball, the Red Raiders will look to put on a clinic when up to bat. With three players above .325 batting average and two others above a .250. The team will look to capitalize on a barrage of hits that could lead to a big-time blowout. 

Overall 

        The Texas Tech Red Raiders will take on the Kansas Jayhawks in their last regular-season conference matchup in a three-game series to wrap things up. The matchup is slated to take place at Dan Law Field at Rip Griffin Park and begins on Thursday, May 20th at 6 pm. Then will be followed by the second game of the series on Friday, May 21st at 2 pm and then the series finale will be Saturday, May 22nd at noon. 

        With the Phillips 66 Big 12 Tournament right around the corner, the Red Raiders will be looking to be wrapping up the season on a high note. 

For more Texas Tech sports articles checkout: https://campuslivettu.com/

For Texas Tech’s full baseball schedule checkout: https://texastech.com/sports/baseball/schedule/2021

Written by Trinity Porter, Campus Live Intern 

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