UTRGV Baseball Records Historic Attendance Despite Defeat to Texas Tech
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros faced a challenging battle against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on Tuesday, suffering a 21-12 defeat at the UTRGV Baseball Stadium. Despite the loss, this matchup attracted a record crowd of 6,588 fans, marking a significant milestone for the Vaqueros baseball program.
Record-Breaking Attendance
Over the course of just four games, UTRGV has drawn a remarkable total of 19,781 fans, achieving the highest four-game attendance in the program’s history. The average attendance now stands at 4,945 fans per game. Breaking previous records, the Vaqueros also welcomed 5,862 fans on Friday and 5,040 fans on Saturday, making this a historic week for UTRGV athletics.
This game was part of the #RallyTheValley Week, presented by McAllen International Airport, which saw UTRGV hosting eight home games in just six days across baseball and both men’s and women’s basketball. In total, the week brought in an astounding 25,195 fans.
Game Highlights
Leading the offensive efforts for the Vaqueros was Ethan Edinger, who delivered a powerful performance with a 3-for-5 outing that included a home run, two RBIs, and three runs scored. Fellow junior Armani Raygoza also made waves at the plate, posting a 2-for-4 record with a home run, two walks, and two RBIs. Additionally, junior Easton Moomau contributed with a 2-for-4 plate appearance, registering two walks, an RBI, and a run.
The game began on a somber note for UTRGV, as they fell behind 2-0 in the first inning. However, the Vaqueros quickly turned the tide, sending 13 batters to the plate and scoring eight runs in the bottom of the first inning. This incredible rally included key hits and walks that allowed UTRGV to seize an early lead.
As an example of their offensive depth, graduate student Diego Villescas contributed a sacrifice fly, while Edinger’s timely single increased the score to 8-2.
Red Raiders’ Counterattack
Texas Tech responded aggressively, scoring seven runs in the third inning, showcasing their own resilience and offensive prowess. The Red Raiders sent 11 batters to the plate during the inning, highlighted by an RBI-double by Tracer Lopez and a three-run home run from Linkin Garcia.
Despite UTRGV’s attempts to close the gap in the fifth inning with home runs from Edinger and Raygoza, Texas Tech kept the pressure on, particularly in the sixth where they added five more runs to solidify their lead.
The Final Innings
The seventh inning continued the trend as Texas Tech scored again, making the score 17-10. The eighth inning saw UTRGV’s newcomer Andrew Taylor make an impressive entrance, hitting a pinch-hit 2-run home run that reduced the deficit to 19-12.
However, the Red Raiders were not done yet. In the ninth inning, they capitalized on UTRGV’s errors and scored additional runs, ultimately sealing the game at 21-12.
Upcoming Matchup
As the Vaqueros look to regroup, they will kick off a seven-game road trip, starting with a series against the Houston Cougars. The first game is scheduled for Friday at 6:30 p.m. Interested fans can tune in on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ for live coverage.
In this season of highs and lows, UTRGV continues to build its legacy, not only with strong performances on the field but also by rallying an enthusiastic fan base that supports them through thick and thin.
For more updates on UTRGV Athletics and to follow the team’s journey throughout the season, connect with UTRGV on Twitter and Instagram.
