Box Score Feb. 25, 2011
Box Score
LAKE CHARLES, La. - A failed pickoff attempt followed by a base knock to center field in the bottom of the seventh inning proved to be too much for Louisiana Tech to overcome as the Bulldogs dropped their first game of the 2011 season, 7-6, to McNeese State Friday night at Cowboy Diamond.
The Bulldogs struck first in the top of the third inning as Ashton Hughes drew a one-out walk then stole second and advanced to third base on a balk. Following another walk, Justin Gordey stole second base to put two runners into scoring position. After a strikeout, Mark Threlkeld drew the third walk of the inning for the Bulldogs to load the bases for Alex Williams. On the first pitch to the lefty slugger, Williams drove the ball into the right field gap for a three-run double to give Tech an early 3-0 lead.
In the bottom half of the inning, McNeese State (3-3) took advantage of three walks and three singles off of Louisiana Tech starter Trevor Petersen to plate four runs and take a one-run lead in the contest.
The Cowboys added a run a in the bottom of the fifth inning as a one-out single to center field scored speedster Jace Peterson from second base.
Trailing by two, Clint Ewing and pinch hitter Taylor Terrasas led off the top of the sixth inning with walks, setting the table for senior Will Alvis. On a 0-1 pitch, Alvis gave the Bulldogs a 6-5 lead as he drilled the pitch over the left field wall for his second home run in as many games.
Cowboys' starter Zach Butler was credited with the no decision after allowing six runs on six hits in 6.0 innings of work.
After Petersen retired the Cowboys in order during in the bottom half of the sixth, McNeese State drew a leadoff walk that would end his night and bring in Mike LeBreton from the pen.
After inducing a fly out, LeBreton plunked Lee Orr to put two runners on for McNeese. Looking to hold the runners in check, a failed pickoff attempt on a throwing error from LeBreton ran up the first base line and allowed one run to score, moving Orr to third base. Orr later scored what was the game-winning run off of an RBI single from Seth Granger.
Petersen finished the night allowing six runs, five earned, on seven hits and four walks in 6-plus innings of work. The sophomore struck out a career-high seven batters, besting his previous mark of four.
LeBreton was saddled with his first loss of the season after allowing two unearned runs in 0.1 innings of work.
Dustin Lloyd (1-1) picked up his first win of the season after tossing two no-hit innings in relief to set the table for Jordan Legros, who picked up his first save of the season.
Louisiana Tech (4-1) will look to rebound tomorrow night at 6:30 p.m. CST in game two of the series against McNeese State.
Notes: The loss snaps a four game winning streak...Tech is now 76-46 all-time against McNeese State including a 15-9 mark during the Simoneaux era...Trevor Petersen had a career-high seven strikeouts...Joey Ford has now hit safely in five-straight games to start the season...Mark Threlkeld has now started 76-straight games... Will Alvis joins Threlkeld as the only Bulldogs to hit home runs in consecutive games this season... Alex Willams tied his career-high with three RBI.
