March 27, 2010

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MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.--The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (11-11) became the answer to a trivia question Saturday afternoon as they became the first team ever to earn a win at the Twin's new Target Field with a 9-1 victory over Minnesota (8-15) in front of 36,056 fans.

"This ballpark is beautiful. It really was a thrill for us just to be out there," Tech head coach Wade Simoneaux said. "When Coach Anderson (Minnesota's coach) said we had an opportunity to play one game here I said we'll play in the snow if you want if we can get an opportunity to play at Target Field. It was an amazing experience. "

True freshman pitcher Trevor Petersen (3-2) earned the win for Tech after throwing 6.2 scoreless innings while scattering eight hits, walking three and striking out three. Sophomore Mike Jefferson threw well in relief as he allowed one unearned run off just one hit while striking out three in 2.1 innings of work. Minnesota's TJ Oakes was hit with the loss as he gave up five runs (four earned) in 5.1 innings.

The Bulldogs scored the first ever run at the Twin's new ballpark in the first inning. Kyle Roliard led off the inning with a walk and was moved to third with a double off the rightfield wall by Mark Threlkeld. Roliard was then driven in with a productive out by Alex Williams as he grounded out to second base.

Tech's junior catcher Clint Ewing also made history as he lifted a homerun just over the leftfield wall in the fourth inning to increase the Bulldog lead to 3-0.

Louisiana Tech broke the game open with a four-run sixth inning as Ewing struck again with a @ RBI single through the left side with the bases loaded to score Devon Dageford and Joey Ford. Ewing and Dan Breazeale were both driven in with a triple by Roliard that landed just out of the reach of the diving center fielder to increase the Tech lead to 7-0.

The Bulldogs added one run in both the seventh and eighth innings before allowing one unearned run in the bottom of the ninth making the final 9-1 in the Tech's favor.

All 16 of Tech's batters that made the trip received an at-bat in the game while a number of Bulldogs had successful days at the plate. Ewing led all Bulldogs by going 3-for-4 with the homerun and three RBI. Roliard and Williams totaled two RBI a-piece while Roliard went 2-for-3 with a triple. Dageford made his contribution to Tech's 13 hits by going 3-for-5 with two doubles while Ford upped his hitting streak to 11 games.

"I can't emphasize enough how excited our guys were," Simoneaux said. "They all had their cameras and phones out taking pictures and if this were a conference game maybe I would've stopped them, but I let them go with that and just let them enjoy the moment. It's something they'll remember for the rest of their lives." Louisiana Tech and Minnesota will play game three Sunday at 12 p.m. CT at the Metrodome.

Louisiana Tech fans can listen to the game on the radio as all three games will be broadcast live on ESPN 97.7. The game can also be followed via gametracker by logging onto www.latechsports.com.

Tech baseball single game tickets are still available through TicketMaster and the Tech Ticket Office along with a number of premium chair-backs still available which can be hand-picked by fans for $130 online at www.latechsports.com, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Tech Ticket Office at 318-257-3631.

Target Field Firsts by Louisiana Tech: Win- Trevor Petersen, Hit- Mark Threlkeld, Homerun- Clint Ewing, Triple- Kyle Roliard, Double- Mark Threlkeld, RBI- Alex Williams, Run- Kyle Roliard, Walk- Kyle Roliard, Turned Double Play- Mark Threlkeld, Joey Ford, Alex Williams, Hit By Pitch- Dan Breazeale