Texas Tech baseball sweeps UAlbany in doubleheader

Pirko's complete game and Villeneuve's walk-off homer power Red Raiders to victories

Feb. 22, 2026 at 3:19am

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Texas Tech baseball swept a doubleheader against UAlbany on Saturday, winning the first game 15-1 behind a complete game from junior Lukas Pirko and taking the second game 8-6 on a walk-off two-run homer by Robin Villeneuve. The Red Raiders rallied from a 6-2 deficit in the nightcap, using three two-run homers to secure the sweep.

Why it matters

The doubleheader sweep moves Texas Tech over .500 for the first time this season and extends their winning streak to four games, their longest since 2024. The performance of Pirko and Villeneuve's heroics highlight the Red Raiders' offensive firepower and resilience as they look to build momentum in the early part of the season.

The details

In the first game, Pirko took a no-hitter into the fifth inning and allowed just one run in a complete-game victory. The Red Raiders' offense erupted for 15 runs, including a three-run homer from Jace Hughes. In the second game, Texas Tech trailed 6-2 going into the seventh inning before rallying with three two-run homers, including the game-winning blast from Villeneuve in the bottom of the ninth.

  • Pirko took a no-hitter into the fifth inning in the first game.
  • Villeneuve hit the game-winning two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning in the second game.

The players

Lukas Pirko

A junior pitcher for Texas Tech who threw a complete-game victory in the first game of the doubleheader.

Robin Villeneuve

A first baseman for Texas Tech who hit the game-winning two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning of the second game.

Jace Hughes

A Texas Tech player who hit a three-run homer in the first game of the doubleheader.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Red Raiders will look to complete the four-game sweep of UAlbany on Sunday when sophomore Brendan Girton takes the mound for his second Sunday start.

The takeaway

Texas Tech's doubleheader sweep showcases the team's offensive firepower and resilience, as they rallied from a late deficit in the second game to secure the victory. The performances of Pirko and Villeneuve highlight the Red Raiders' depth and ability to win close games, which will be crucial as they look to build momentum in the early part of the season.