Boxscore

RUSTON, La. ? The Louisiana Tech baseball team shutdown the Dallas Baptist Patriots for a 7-2 win Friday night at J.C. Love Field. Starting pitcher Luke Burnett (2-5) struck out 10 batters in six innings of work to record his second win of the season. Burnett gave up three hits and two runs. Both runs were scored on solo-home runs by the Patriots.

Tech coach Wade Simoneaux said Burnett looked like he was getting closer to what he is capable of and was pleased with his performance.

?Luke?s command wasn?t where he wants it to be I?m sure with five walks,? Simoneaux said. ?But 10 strikeouts in six innings is good. Dallas Baptist is a very good hitting team, and for us to hold them to four hits was outstanding.?

Tech (20-14) got another stellar outing from Aaron Lorio out of the bullpen. Lorio threw two innings and allowed one hit, one walk and struck out two. Brian Rike threw the ninth inning for Tech and allowed one walk with one strikeout.

At the plate, Tech did a better job of hitting with men on base than earlier in the week. Simoneaux said being able to take advantage of those situations helped his club build an early lead and win the game.

?We did hit with people on base,? Simoneaux said. ?We left nine on, but that?s a lot better than 13. We had some timely hits, and we need to do that. I was pleased.?

The middle of the order came out swinging for Tech in the win over Dallas Baptist (16-14). Adam Cobb hit 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI in the No. 2 hole, and Brandon Hudson also hit 2-for-2 with walk and sacrifice fly in the six spot after going hitless Wednesday at Northwestern State. Courtney Jones hit 2-for-3 with two runs, two RBIs and a home run batting fifth.

Tech and Dallas Baptist take to the diamond in a doubleheader Saturday at J.C. Love Field. In anticipation of inclement weather the games have been bumped up to start at noon. Fans not in attendance can follow the action on their computers by clicking the live stats link on the baseball team?s home page at latechsports.com.