Box Score March 1, 2011
Box Score
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Calvin Drinnen stifled the Bulldogs' offensive attack and three unearned runs in the bottom of the fifth inning led the Trojans past Louisiana Tech, 8-5, Tuesday afternoon at Gary Hogan Field.
With one out in the first inning, the Trojans jumped on Tech starter Josh Barrett after Jason Houston and Jake Rowell drove back-to-back doubles to right center to give UALR an early 1-0 lead. The Trojans picked up another run when Casey McCollum hit a two-out single to right field that scored Rowell.
To start the second inning, Barrett allowed a leadoff walk and a double to right center. The Bulldogs recorded the first out as Brock Feldman reached on a fielder's choice to third and Sean Bignall was thrown out at the plate. Ben Carlisle entered the game with one out and two runners on in relief of Barrett and plunked Cameron Bentley to load the bases. However, Carlisle worked out of the jam after inducing a pop out to short and recording a strikeout to end the inning.
Barrett (0-1) took the loss after allowing two runs on four hits in just 1.1 innings of work.
In his second outing of the season, Carlisle fanned five batters and retired the final seven batters that he faced, including the first two Trojans in the fifth inning. In relief of Carlisle, Beau Bayliss induced what appeared to be a routine groundball to short, however, McCollum reached on a throwing error that kept the inning alive and ultimately plated three unearned runs in the frame.
After cruising through the first four innings allowing just two hits, UALR starter, Calvin Drinnen, allowed three consecutive singles to open up the fifth inning.
Austin Hedges scored Tech's first run after Hector Acosta mishandled Alex Williams' single to right field. Despite the first three runners reaching base safely, both Williams and Threlkeld were stranded on base after UALR forced three-straight flyball outs to center field.
Drinnen (1-1) kept the Bulldogs in check for most of the afternoon, allowing just one run on five hits while striking out four batters in 5.2 innings of work to pick up his first win of the season.
With two outs in the top of the eighth, Joey Ford singled up the middle and Corey White pinch ran and stole second base on the ensuing at-bat. On a 3-2 count, Alvis doubled down the left field line driving in White. However, UALR (4-5) added three runs in the bottom half of the inning to extend their lead to six runs.
Looking to mount a rally in the top of the ninth, the Bulldogs quickly loaded the bases to start the frame. With one out, Threlkeld singled to right field, driving in Johnson and Alex Williams drew a walk that brought White to the plate, representing the tying-run. White extended the inning after beating out a groundball to third for an infield RBI single, scoring Justin Gordey.
With the bases loaded and just one out, UALR called upon John Maler from the bullpen to close out the game. The right-handed pitcher struck out Alvis swinging on three pitches and forced Ewing to groundout to short to close the game and seal the win for the Trojans.
Louisiana Tech (6-2) returns to action this weekend as the Bulldogs play host to Middle Tennessee in a three-game set beginning Friday at 6 p.m. CST at J.C. Love Field.
