LUBBOCK, Texas (Interstat) — The Incarnate Word Cardinals, defying heavy pregame odds, erupted for a season-high offensive performance to defeat the Texas Tech Red Raiders 13-8 on Wednesday afternoon and evening at Dan Law Field at Rip Griffin Park.

The game, which began in the afternoon and concluded under the lights, saw the visiting Cardinals pound out hits against a parade of Texas Tech pitchers to improve to 17-19. The Red Raiders, despite collecting 12 hits of their own, fell to 20-16. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a Texas Tech victory with a 78.7% probability, forecasting a final score of 6-5.

The most important part of the game was Incarnate Word’s immediate and sustained response to Texas Tech’s early rally. After spotting the Red Raiders a run in the first inning, the Cardinals’ offense ignited. They plated two runs in the second inning on a Ramos single, then added another in the third on a Tabor double to take a 3-1 lead.

Texas Tech answered forcefully in the bottom of the second, capitalizing on aggressive baserunning. After Rusinek and Ryan stole third and second respectively, Kyeler Thompson drove them both in with a double down the left field line. Tracer Lopez followed with an RBI single, capping a three-run inning that gave the Red Raiders a 4-3 advantage.

Undeterred, the Cardinals unleashed a decisive power surge in the fourth inning. Ramos, Rucker and Newberry hit consecutive solo home runs in a span of four batters, turning a one-run deficit into a 6-4 lead. That explosive sequence, which prompted a Texas Tech mound visit, shifted momentum permanently to the visitors.

Incarnate Word continued to apply pressure, adding two more runs in the fifth on Rucker’s second homer of the day, a two-run shot. They extended the lead with single runs in the seventh and two more in the eighth, where Newberry delivered a key two-run single.

Texas Tech mounted its most serious threat in the seventh inning, scoring four runs to close the gap to 11-8. Matt Quintanar laced a two-run double and Jesse Rusinek followed with an RBI double before Thompson singled home another run. The rally ultimately stalled, and the Red Raiders could not score over the final two frames against the Cardinals’ bullpen.

Thompson led Texas Tech’s offense, going 3 for 5 with three RBIs. Rusinek added two hits, including a double, and an RBI. Caden Ferraro reached base four times with two hits and two walks. For Incarnate Word, the offensive attack was broad-based, with multiple players contributing key hits throughout the lineup.

Texas Tech reliever Bryce Suiter was charged with three runs over 1 2/3 innings, while Jorden Espinoza allowed one run in one-third of an inning. Logan Addison, Heeryun Han and Johnny Lowe provided scoreless relief outings for the Red Raiders.

The Cardinals look ahead to a road game at Texas State on April 21. Texas Tech opens a three-game road series at Utah on April 17.