LUBBOCK, Texas (Interstat) — In a wild Big 12 Conference opener defined by a late offensive explosion, the West Virginia Mountaineers outslugged the Texas Tech Red Raiders 12-8 on Friday night at Dan Law Field at Rip Griffin Park.

The game, a back-and-forth affair that saw 27 combined hits, was ultimately decided by a six-run top of the ninth inning by West Virginia, turning a tight contest into a comfortable victory.

West Virginia starter Dawson Montesa, despite allowing five earned runs over seven innings, earned the win to improve his team’s record to 23-7. Texas Tech starter Lukas Pirko was effective, surrendering just one earned run over five innings, but did not factor in the decision as the Red Raiders fell to 19-14.

The Mountaineers struck first with two unearned runs in the second inning. Brock Wills scored on an RBI single by Tyrus Hall, and Ben Lumsden came home on a subsequent throwing error by the Texas Tech shortstop.

Texas Tech responded in the fifth inning, chasing Montesa from the game with a four-run rally. Connor Shouse delivered a two-run double, and Jesse Rusinek followed with another two-run double to cut the deficit to 5-4.

West Virginia extended its lead in the seventh. After Gavin Kelly drove in a run with a single, Sean Smith laced a two-run double down the right-field line to make it 8-5.

The most important part of the game came in the ninth inning, with West Virginia clinging to an 8-6 lead. The Mountaineers sent 11 batters to the plate against three Texas Tech relievers. The inning was fueled by patience and timely hitting. After two walks loaded the bases, Sam Graveline ripped a two-run single to center. Later, with the bases loaded again, Matthew Ineich cleared them with a three-run double down the left-field line, providing the decisive blow and a 12-6 advantage.

Texas Tech mounted a final threat in the bottom of the ninth, scoring two runs on an RBI double by Tracer Lopez and a run-scoring single by G. Ferraro. However, Carson Estridge entered with two outs and, after allowing an RBI single, picked a runner off third base to end the game.

Hall led West Virginia with three hits, while Rusinek and Lopez each had three hits for Texas Tech. Logan Addison provided a bright spot for the Red Raiders’ bullpen, striking out four in 1 1/3 scoreless innings of relief.

The teams will continue their three-game series on Saturday.