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Texas vs. Texas Tech softball final score, result: NiJaree Canady shines as Red Raiders force decisive Game 3

Contributor
David Suggs
Texas vs. Texas Tech softball final score, result: NiJaree Canady shines as Red Raiders force decisive Game 3 image

There's a reason Texas Tech shelled out $1 million to secure NiJaree Canady services.

The Red Raiders ace has come through more times than she hasn't in her single season in Lubbock, flashing her golden arm as Texas Tech punched its ticket to its first Super Regional, Women's College World Series, and WCWS final all in quick succession.

With the Red Raiders needing a win to keep their hopes of a national title alive, Canady came to life, authoring up another impressive display on the mound. She got some help, too — enough for Texas Tech to record a 4-3 win and send the series to a winner-take-all third game.

Canady's final line gave a window into her dominance: seven innings, six hits conceded, six strikeouts and just two earned runs surrendered. Canady's display had the masses enlivened. You can count Patrick Mahomes as part of that group.

Meanwhile, the Red Raiders' bats came alive ever so slightly. Mihiya Davis, Alana Johnson, and Bailey Lindemuth all produced timely interventions while Texas Tech took advantage of some ill-timed Longhorns errors.

The Sporting News tracked live updates from Thursday's matchup between Texas Tech and Texas in the 2025 Women's College World Series. Below are highlights, live results, and more as the Red Raiders kept their national championship dream alive atop Devon Park.

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Texas vs. Texas Tech softball live score

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Texas vs. Texas Tech live updates, highlights from Women's College World Series

(All times ET.) 

Seventh inning

11:02 p.m.: Canady shuts the door! Strikes out Katie Cimusz with the rise ball as Texas Tech secures the all-important win!

11:00 p.m.: And that's another run! Texas is one run away from tying the game!

Texas Tech 4, Texas 3

10:55 p.m.: The rally lives on! Canady concedes an unearned marker after Goode flicks a looping effort into the outfield! Demi Elder conjured up an impressive diving grab earlier in the contest. She wasn't as fortunate this time around, seeing the ball pop out of her glove.

The Longhorns cut into Texas Tech's edge and now have the go-ahead run at the plate. Go figure...

Texas Tech 4, Texas 2

10:54 p.m.: Canady is hoping to end things here at Oklahoma City. So far, she's having some toils — she's allowed each of her first two batters to reach, one due to error, the other due to an HBP.

Sixth inning

10:44 p.m.: And there's another tally for Tech! Mihiya Davis takes first after beating out and infield single. Victoria Valdez races around to score from second!

Texas Tech 4, Texas 1

10:42 p.m.: The Red Raiders add another score! Bailey Lindumuth drives in Makayla Garcia via sacrifice fly as Texas Tech doubles its advantage!

Texas Tech 3, Texas 1

10:35 p.m.: Texas Tech has offered a strong response to Texas' run thus far. The Red Raiders have to runners on, one of whom is stands at third. Texa is calling in the big guns, enlisting Kavan to replace relief pitcher Citlaly Gutierrez.

10:32 p.m.: Canady responded with a flourish, whiffing Reese Atwood before forcing Joley Mitchell into a foul out.

10:25 p.m.: HOME RUN! The Longhorns claw one back courtesy of a Mia Scott homer. Canady finally cracked, albeit for a fleeting moment.

Texas Tech 2, Texas 1

Fifth inning

10:15 p.m.: Texas Tech takes the lead! The Red Raiders tack on  two runs after loading the bases amid a flurry of hits, errant Salmon throws and a well-timed sacrifice fly.

Texas Tech 2, Texas 0

10:06 p.m.: The contest has fell into a holding pattern of sorts, with neither side able to produce much in the form of hits or runs. We remain scoreless through 4.

Fourth inning

9:45 p.m.: Salmon and Canady were efficient as ever, with the former conjuring up two popouts and a groundout and the latter whiffing one, coaxing another into a lineout and producing another popout.

Third inning

9:30 p.m.: Morgan disappeared into the darkness, replaced by freshman Cambria Salmon. Salmon impressed in relief throughout the regular season. She'll look to do so again in tonight's clash.

9:28 p.m.: The early stages of Game 2 are taking on a similar dynamic to that of its predecessor. Neither side has been able to crack their opposition's code from the mound.

Second inning

9:19 p.m.: The second inning ends with another diving grab, this one courtesy of rangy Longhorns outfielder Maloney.

9:12 p.m.: The Red Raiders coax another weak grounder, one that skips off the fertile earth and right into Hailey Toney's grasp, who delivered a strike to first base for the double play.

9:09 p.m.: What a grab by Canady! The Red Raiders ace scoops up an unruly chopper with a diving catch.

First inning

9:06 p.m.: The Longhorns skip out of the frame after coaxing a pair of groundouts without conceding a run. This is the second-straight game in which the Red Raiders have squandered a bases loaded opportunity in the first inning.

9:02 p.m.: The Red Raiders have quickly loaded the bases after collecting a trio of hits. Morgan will look to tight-rope her way out of this one as Ashley Langeliers strides to the plate with one away. 

8:58 p.m.: Texas Tech escapes the inning unscathed, with Canady overcoming a pair of singles to close out the frame.

8:51 p.m.: Canady quickly sets aside her first batter, with Ashton Maloney sulking to the dugout after grounding out to short. The match has begun after its lengthy delay!

8:45 p.m.: As for the Longhorns, Mac Morgan — not Teagan Kavan — will nab the ball. She enjoyed a strong showing in Texas' WCWS duel with Florida, setting the stage for Kavan closing things out.

8:30 p.m.: Canady will take the mound once more as the Red Raiders look to extend the series. Her sub-1.00 ERA could prove an effective deterrent to Texas' bats.

8:15 p.m.: Texas Tech has the most notable of fans watching on from the ivory tower of the suite: Chiefs star — and Red Raiders alum — Patrick Mahomes.

8:00 p.m.: For those hoping to get their fix of softball action, they'll have to wait a bit longer. The match is currently under weather delay and rain and lightning descend upon Devon Park. The match will start at 7:45 p.m. CT (8:45 p.m. ET), instead.

How to watch Texas vs. Texas Tech softball

  • Start time: 8 p.m. ET
  • TV channel: ABC
  • Live stream: ESPN+, Fubo

The match between Texas and Texas Tech will air on ESPN. First pitch will take place at 8 p.m. ET from Devon Park in Oklahoma City. Alternate broadcasts can be found on Fubo and ESPN+, the former of which runs a free trial.

MORE: How Texas hurler Teagan Kavan is connected to Caitlin Clark 

Women's College World Series schedule 2025

Championship finals

Wednesday, June 4

GameMatchup
Game 1Texas 2, Texas Tech 1

Thursday, June 5

GameMatchupTime (ET)TV channel
Game 2Texas Tech vs. Texas8 p.m.ESPN

Friday, June 6

GameMatchupTime (ET)TV channel
Game 3*Texas vs. Texas Tech8 p.m.ESPN

*if necessary