Texas Tech’s Gutierrez to Participate in Home Run Derby

In 2014, Texas Tech's Eric Gutierrez helped lead the Red Raiders to their first ever appearance in the NCAA College World Series, and then set a record of 52 homeruns in finishing second in the TD Ameritrade College Home Run Derby.

Gutierrez will have a chance to improve on both his finish and his record when he competes in the 2015 Derby scheduled for July 2, at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Neb.

The made-for TV event will air at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN.

Gutierrez mashed 15 homers in the first round of last year’s contest, and followed that with 19 taters in the second round. He squared off in the finals against Texas catcher and high school teammate Tres Barrera. Barerra prevailed, connecting on a single round record of 25 bombs compared to Gutierrez’s 18 long balls.

Gutierrez is only the third player to participate in in the Home Run Derby in consecutive years. Daniel Aldrich (College of Charleston) competed in 2011-12, while former record holder (20) Michael Aquino from Rice took part in both the 2013-14 events.

Gutierrez hit .315 for the red Raiders this past season with four home runs, 14 doubles and a team-high 46 RBI.

The junior from Sharyland was named to the All-Big 12 First Team and Second Team American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) All-Midwest Region. ACBA also named Gutierrez the top defensive 1B in college baseball by awarding him the Gold Glove Award.

Others to compete in this year’s Home Run Derby include Will Craig (Wake Forest), Jeff Campbell (North Dakota) and Colton Shaver (BYU). More competitors will be announced in the coming days.