McGruder's Grand Slam Spoils KU's Comeback Bid

April 30, 2011

LUBBOCK, Texas –

Box Score in PDF Format

Junior Zac Elgie went 3-for-5 with a two-run homer and a pair of doubles, while senior Casey Lytle also chipped in three hits, but it was not enough. Texas Tech second baseman Jamodrick McGruder hit a grand slam in the bottom of the sixth to power the Red Raiders to a 9-4 triumph over Kansas Saturday evening at Dan Law Field.

Texas Tech takes the series after winning in extra innings Friday night and improves to 27-19 overall and 8-12 in the Big 12. The Jayhawks drop to 20-23 overall and 9-11 in conference play.

Despite outhitting the Red Raiders 13-10, Kansas could not come up with the clutch hits when it needed them and lost for the third-straight game.

Trailing 5-2 in the sixth, KU cut the lead to one-run on a sacrifice fly by Jimmy Waters and an RBI single by Lytle, following Elgie’s third hit of the game.

However, that was as close as the Jayhawks would come. 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.

The Jayhawks had chances to get back into the game, but Tech closer Jon Neely held KU scoreless over the final 2 2/3 innings.

After spotting Tech a 4-0 lead on the strength of a two-run error in the first inning, the Jayhawks cut the lead in half on Elgie’s fifth homer of the season. The junior first baseman slammed an 0-2 offering into the left field bullpen following a leadoff single by Ka’iana Eldredge, cutting the deficit to 4-2.

Four different Jayhawks – Eldredge, Elgie, Lytle and Waters – recorded multiple hits in the game.

KU will look to salvage the final game of the three-game series Sunday at 1 p.m.