Texas Tech Sets Big 12 Championship Record in 18-0 Win

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma – Texas Tech’s softball team dominated Arizona State 18-0 in the Big 12 Championship Semifinals on Friday afternoon, setting a record for most runs scored in a Big 12 Championship game.

The No. 11 Red Raiders improved their season record to 44-12 while achieving their 22nd shutout of the year. This victory also marked their first run-rule win in the Big 12 Championship since 2001.

With 18 hits and 17 RBI, including five extra-base hits, Texas Tech’s offense was relentless. Players Toney and Canady both excelled at the plate, going 3-for-4, while Jennings and Davis contributed a combined 6 hits and several key runs.

NiJaree Canady’s performance was vital on the mound, pitching five innings, allowing only three hits and striking out seven batters. Canady’s victory improved her season record to 25-5, tying for the second-most wins in a single season in program history.

The game began with a brief scare for Texas Tech as Arizona State placed runners on first and second with two outs. However, Canady escaped the jam by forcing a pop-up to third base.

The Red Raiders struggled in the first inning, but they exploded in the second, scoring three runs on a double from Canady and a two-run single from Toney. Canady and Johnson both executed stolen bases to put themselves in scoring position.

The third inning became historic as Texas Tech struck for 11 runs, marking the most runs scored in a single inning since 2013. A solo home run from Davis ignited the scoring frenzy, with contributions from every player as they continuously reached base.

Freshman Lincoln relieved Canady in the circle and maintained the momentum, closing out the game without allowing any runs in the final inning.

Texas Tech will advance to the Championship game, facing No. 2 Arizona on Saturday at 11 a.m. on ESPN.