April 30, 2010

Box Score

RUSTON - Louisiana Tech's bats finally came to life Friday night as the Lady Techsters plated their most runs in a month downing Nevada 9-3 at the Lady Techster Softball Complex.

With the win, Tech (23-17, 8-8 WAC) took one step closer to clinching a spot in the upcoming WAC Tournament while Nevada (16-24, 3-12) fell farther out of the sixth place spot. Only the top six teams in the WAC qualify for the 2010 Tournament which will run May 12-15 in Las Cruces.

Nevada took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first as a walk to Danielle Patrick resulted in the first run of the game as Kelsey Starr drove her home with a two-out RBI double off the left field fence.

The lead increased to 2-0 in the top of the fourth inning as Nevada scored an unearned run as Sam Puzey drove home Lauren Lastrapes with a single to right field off Lady Techster starter Meghan Krieg.

Tech cut into the deficit with an RBI double by third baseman Molly Goza in the bottom of the fourth, scoring Meghan Knowles from second base.

After Krieg pitched out of a jam in the top of the fifth inning, the floodgates finally opened as Kendra Harmon and Kylie Bassett each reached on infield singles and then Amberly Waits hit her 10th home run of the season over the left field fence, giving Tech a 4-2 advantage.

Jessica Kirby then singled to right field but was erased on a fielder choice by Knowles. One out later, pinch runner Heather Doiron scored all the way from first on an RBI double by Goza to right centerfield as Tech led 5-2.

The Lady Techsters then put the game out of reach in the sixth, scoring four more runs on only two h its. Christina Gamboa led the inning off with a single and then advanced to third on back-to-back wild pitches. After Sarah Offutt walked, Bassett hit a two-run triple to centerfield, making the score 7-2.

Waits was intentionally walked and then stole second base as Kirby drove Bassett home with a sacrifice fly as Tech led 8-2. Waits advanced on the sac fly and scored on a passed ball.

Nevada scored one run in the top of the seventh inning before Krieg retired the final batter on a pop up to Waits at shortstop.

Krieg (17-13) picked up the win, allowing three runs - two earned - on seven hits and three walks while striking out 10 batters. It marked her 14th career game of double digit strikeouts.

Bassett and Goza each recorded two hits and two RBI while Waits added one hit and three RBI while being walked three times - twice intentionally.

Katie Holverson (6-15) took the loss, allowing eight earned runs on nine hits and five walks while also throwing five wild pitches.

The two teams are set to play a doubleheader Saturday at 1 p.m.