May 12, 2011

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FRESNO - Louisiana Tech freshman Erin Kipp hit a pinch hit, two-run home run in the top of the sixth inning and senior Meghan Krieg pitched a two-hitter as the Lady Techsters (16-37) upset Fresno State (31-17) 2-0 in their opener in the 2011 Western Athletic Conference Tournament opener Wednesday night.

Kipp, who hit her first career home run in Friday's 13-6 win over Utah State, pinch hit for Heather Doiron with two outs in the sixth and on a full-count pitch, lined the game-winning home run deep over the left centerfield fence to give Tech a 2-0 lead.

"I knew going into game she would be first bat off the bench," said Tech head coach Sarah Dawson. "She has been doing a good job in that role and had some recent success. She was feeling pretty confident. I wanted to take advantage of having a runner on and Erin has the power and ability to hit the ball into the gap."

Dawson's move was gold as the Bullard, Texas native came through with the biggest hit of her young career.

"I've been in that situation a few times this year, and I was confident I could do something," said Kipp. "I knew I had hit it hard. I didn't know it was out until I rounded first base."

With a 2-0 lead, Krieg returned to the circle in the bottom of the sixth and walked Brooke Ortiz to lead off the frame. After Haley Gilleland reached on a fielder's choice where Ortiz was retired at second base, Andrea Ortega singled to put runners on first and second with one out.

Fresno State's leading home run hitter Michelle Moses came to the plate as Krieg fell behind in the count 3-0 before inducing a pop up to shortstop for the second out. Caitlin Stiglich then flew out to centerfield to end the threat.

Krieg retired the side in order in the bottom of the seventh for her first shutout of the season and her 11th win of the year.

"Her approach was more confident tonight," Dawson said. "She took charge and went after hitters. She has faced Fresno State plenty over the last four years and a few times this year so she is familiar with them. She threw strikes and went after batters. Even with a tight strike zone she was able to be effective."

The Sonora, Texas native recorded five strikeouts in the game, including called third strike on Rebecca Hall to end the fifth - her 261st strikeout of the season, breaking her own single season record of 260 set last year.

Michelle Moses pitched almost as well for the Bulldogs, allowing only three hits and one walk while striking out nine in the complete-game performance.

Kendra Harmon recorded two of Tech's three hits, including a leadoff single in the top of the sixth inning. Janna Frandrup then reached on a fielder's choice as Harmon was thrown out at second. One batter later, Frandrup scored on Kipp's home run.

The victory was only Tech's sixth in 36 tries against Fresno State and only the second ever at Bulldog Diamond. Tech improves to 8-8 all-time in WAC Tournament games with all eight wins coming against top three seeds

The Lady Techsters will face second-seed Boise State Thursday at 4 p.m. CT in the winner's bracket. The game can be heard via the internet by clicking on the Listen Live link on the softball schedule page on www.latechsports.com.