TUCSON, Ariz. (Interstat) — The Texas Tech Red Raiders built a large early advantage and relied on a dominant bullpen to defeat the Arizona Wildcats 9-5 in a nonconference game Friday at Hi Corbett Field.

Texas Tech (14-7) scored nine runs over the first three innings and finished with 12 hits. Connor Shouse led the offense, going 3-for-5 with two RBIs, including a run-scoring triple in the seventh inning. Kyeler Thompson added a two-run double in the ninth.

Arizona (7-14) chipped away with five runs but stranded opportunities. The Wildcats collected 10 hits.

The Red Raiders’ relief corps secured the win, as five pitchers combined for 6 1/3 scoreless innings. Jorden Espinoza, Jesse Rusinek and Logan Bevis were particularly effective in stifling Arizona’s lineup. Wildcats starter Owen Kramkowski took the loss, allowing three earned runs over 5 2/3 innings.

The teams continue the three-game series Saturday.