Lubbock, Texas ? Jamodrick McGruder’s grand slam in the bottom of the sixth sparked Texas Tech to a 9-4 Big 12 Conference baseball victory over Kansas University on Saturday.
KU, which has lost three straight, fell to 20-23 overall, 9-11 in the Big 12. Tech improved to 27-19 and 8-12.
Kansas junior Zac Elgie went 3-for-5 with a two-run homer and two doubles as the Jayhawks outhit the Red Raiders, 13-10.
Senior Casey Lytle added three hits for KU.
Trailing 5-2 in the sixth, KU cut the lead to one on a sacrifice fly by Jimmy Waters and an RBI single by Lytle, following Elgie’s third hit of the day.
However, that was as close as the Jayhawks came. After relief pitcher Wally Marciel loaded the bases with a double, bunt single and a walk, McGruder delivered the deciding blow with a shot into the Kansas bullpen.
Tech closer Jon Neely held KU scoreless over the final 22/3 innings.
The series finale will be at 1 p.m. today.