Feb. 15, 2008

Box Score

MONROE - Sophomore Mandi Bertsch pitched a complete-game shutout to lead Louisiana Tech to a 3-0 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff Friday at the UL-Monroe Mardi Gras Classic.

Bertsch (2-0) allowed only two hits and three walks while striking out a career-high nine batters in the win.

Tech (4-4), which stranded 10 batters in the game, took an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. With two outs, sophomore Amberly Waits was hit by a pitch and then promptly stole second base before senior Regan Clark singled to drive her home.

The Lady Techsters added two more runs in the bottom of the second inning despite registering only one hit. Sophomore Jessica Kirby led the frame off with a single down the left field line before Kylie Bassett followed with a walk.

A Claire Gibson sacrifice bunt moved the runners to second and third before freshman Heather Doiron drew a walk to load the bases. Emma Barnes was then hit by a pitch, forcing Kirby home for a 2-0 lead.

Danielle Sheridan then followed with a sacrifice fly to centerfield, scoring Bassett and upping the Tech advantage to 3-0.

Tech registered at least one hit in every inning of the game but was unable to come up with the run-scoring knocks. However, Bertsch was masterful in the circle as she lowered her season earned run average to 0.55.

Kirby and Gibson led Tech offensively with two hits each while Barnes, Sheridan and Clark each recorded one hit.

Tech returns to action Saturday at 3 p.m. against Iowa State in the second day of the Mardi Gras Classic.