Final Stats

By Michael Eldridge | @DFWSportsMike

LUBBOCK, Texas. - Texas Tech powered its way past UT Arlington 13-5 on Sunday in the final game of the Texas Tech Invitational at Rocky Johnson Field.

The Red Raiders relied on three home runs, including two grand slams. The Mavericks did finish the tournament with a winning record (3-2) and are 14-10 overall going into their Sun Belt Conference opener next weekend at No. 7 Louisiana.

"There are three aspects of the game and we are depending only on one right now," UT Arlington coach Kristie Fox said. "We need to continue to work on becoming more well-rounded as a team, but even in a game like that this team doesn't quit and that is a really important quality to have."

Senior Nina Villanueva and junior Britnea Barilli were bright spots for the offense. Villanueva led with a team-high three RBI and finished with a pair of hits. Barilli had two hits, scored two runs and had a RBI.

UTA starter Sam Montes went to 5-6 with the loss. Montes gave up nine runs (eight earned) in three innings of work. Taylor Simmonds pitched an inning in relief, allowing four hits.

Villanueva's triple in the first provided a quick jolt for the Mavericks, scoring Barilli from first. Shelbi Sikes doubled to give UTA a 2-0 lead.

The Red Raiders wasted little time responding. Texas Tech loaded the bases with one out and Ashley Fultz sent a 1-1 pitch over the center-field wall.

UTA scored three runs over the next two innings to jump back into the lead. Texas Tech answered back with a grand slam and a two-run homer in the fourth. The Red Raiders scored nine runs on seven hits overall.

The Mavericks and Ragin' Cajuns begin their three-game series Friday at 6 p.m. Louisiana opened its Sun Belt schedule with a 2-1 series win against South Alabama.