Texas Tech baseball: 3 Red Raiders that have to step up in Super Regional

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Jun 21, 2019; Omaha, NE, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders infielder Dru Baker (4) celebrates scoring with infielder Dylan Neuse (9) in the second inning against the Michigan Wolverines in the 2019 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

Dru Baker must set the tone at the top of the lineup

While Jace Jung is Texas Tech’s best player, leadoff hitter Dru Baker may be the most important hitter in the lineup this weekend. After all, he is the tone-setter atop the order and he has the potential to create havoc on the bases.

But in recent weeks, Baker’s bat has cooled off a bit. In fact, he’s been rather quiet during most of Tech’s postseason run.

Since opening the Big 12 Tournament with a 4-5 day against Baylor that saw him score and drive home three runs, Baker has failed to have another multi-hit game. In fact, in the five games since, he’s hit just .130 in 23 at-bats. Additionally, he’s scored only two runs both coming against North Carolina in game two of the regional.

Fortunately for Baker and the Red Raiders, the bottom of the order came through in a big way last weekend. Guys such as Kurt Wilson and Nate Rombach came up with clutch hits to give the Texas Tech lineup some balance and help overcome Baker’s quiet weekend.

But make no mistake, Tech won’t go much farther in this postseason without Baker being a significant component of the offense. After all, he leads the team with a .356 average, is second in runs scored with 53, and is tied for the team lead in hits with 73.

So look to see how Baker impacts this series with Stanford. He needs to be an on-base machine once again and get the offense off to a great start the way he has most of the season. If he returns to his normal form, it will make this Red Raider lineup rather difficult for the Cardinal to handle.

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