Feb. 20, 2008

Box Score

RUSTON - Centenary scored three runs in the top of the seventh inning to down Louisiana Tech 3-0 Wednesday night at the Lady Techster Softball Complex.

Tech starter Mandi Bertsch and Centenary hurler Ryan Thacker battled throughout the game, each blanking the opposition through the first six innings of the contest.

"What I'm disappointed in is we weren't able to capitalize on a great pitching performance by Mandi," said Tech head coach Sarah Dawson. "She pitched really well all night. We had chances to score but couldn't come up with the big hit in the critical times."

Bertsch (2-1), who had allowed only two hits through the first six innings, allowed back-to-back hits to start off the top of the seventh inning as Haley Bassett doubled and then moved to third on Allison McClain's single to right field.

A wild pitch third strike allowed the Ladies to take a 1-0 lead as Bassett scored while Centenary still had runners on first and third. Amy Wiedeman then put down a perfect bunt single scoring pinch runner Leslie Postles.

The Ladies then loaded the bases as Beth Krysiak reached on a fielder's choice without Tech recording an out on the play. Centenary then added its third run of the frame on a wild pitch before Bertsch retired three straight Ladies to limit the damage.

However, Tech was unable to answer in its final at bat as Summer Young walked with two outs before Elizabeth Franklin struck out swinging to end the game.

Thacker (1-3) picked up the win, allowing only three hits and two walks while striking out six in the complete-game shutout victory.

Bertsch was tagged with the loss, allowing five hits and no walks while striking out five in 7.0 innings of work.

Tech has an opportunity to strike first in the bottom of the third inning as Franklin walked and advanced to second on a sharp single up the middle by rightfielder Lyndsey McIlwain. However, Emma Barnes and Danielle Sheridan were both retired as Centenary got out of the inning without surrendering a run.

The Lady Techsters had a golden opportunity to score again in the bottom of the fourth inning as Amberly Waits and Jessica Kirby both registered singles to place runners on first and second with one out.

Kylie Bassett barely missed a run-scoring double down the left field line as the rope hit just foul and she was eventually retired on strikes as the Ladies dodged another Tech threat.

Waits, Kirby and McIlwain registered the only three hits of the game for Tech.

The Lady Techsters return to action Saturday with a 3 p.m. doubleheader at home against Southeastern Louisiana.