Box Score Feb. 18, 2011
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RUSTON - Trevor Petersen scattered five hits over 8.0 innings allowing just one unearned run as Louisiana Tech baseball opened the 2011 season with a 3-1 win over Southern Illinois Friday night at J.C. Love Field.
"He only threw 95 pitches but his last four innings were easy," said ninth-year head coach Wade Simoneaux. "He wanted to stay in the game and he was just under control the entire night."
After allowing a leadoff single to start the game, Petersen settled in as he retired seven straight batters over the next 2.1 innings, tossing six consecutive first pitch strikes. Senior Joey Ford gave Petersen a cushion in the bottom of the first inning after his RBI single up the middle plated Mark Threlkeld.
Following a one out walk and a base hit by Chris Murphy In the top of the third inning, Petersen worked out of a jam by forcing two fly outs. In the bottom half of the inning, the Bulldogs got to Saluki starter Cameron Maldonado as Kyle Roliard and Threlkeld led off the inning with a walk and a double, respectively. Following a strikeout, Ford drove in what would become the game-winning run off of a sacrifice fly, scoring Roliard.
Maldonado, who threw 12 first pitch balls, was saddled with the loss after allowing two earned runs, four walks and three hits in 5.0 innings of work.
With Petersen commanding the strike zone, it appeared that the sophomore was in order for a chance at a complete game. However, the Saluki's got on the scoreboard in the top of the eighth inning following a throwing error that allowed Donny Duschinsky to score from second base.
"(Clint) Ewing called a good game tonight. My fastball was working and my secondary pitches were there," said Petersen. "Getting ahead in the count was a big key tonight as getting the first batter out six times was key for our club tonight."
In the bottom of the eighth, Peter Salvonic retired the first two Bulldogs hitters. However, after an Austin Hedges single and Will Alvis drawing the walk, Ashton Hughes singled up the middle, scoring Hedges, to provide Tech with an insurance run.
Senior Will Alvis fanned two SIU batters in the top of the ninth to close out the game in relief of Petersen. The save marked the second in Alvis' career.
Tech returns to action tomorrow night as the Bulldogs host in-state foe Nicholls State at 6 p.m. inside J.C. Love Field.
Notes: Tech improves to 6-3 all-time on opening day during the Wade Simoneaux era... The win over SIU marked the first win against an out of state opponent since Tech knocked off Mississippi Valley State in 2002... Tech has now won seven-straight games at J.C. Love Field...Austin Hedges picked up his first career start at DH... Petersen's 8.0 innings of work was the second most in his career.
