May 6, 2011

Box Score

RUSTON, La. - Jordan Ribera was 2-for-4 with four RBI and 19th-ranked Fresno State scored six two-out runs to knock off Louisiana Tech in the series opener, 9-4, Friday night at J.C. Love Field.

Ribera put Fresno State (31-9, 11-5 WAC) on the board in the first when he tallied a sacrifice fly down the right field line. FS then added a pair of unearned runs in the third as Dusty Robinson notched a sac fly and Ribera drove in his second run of the game with a single to right off of Trevor Petersen.

Tech got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the third as Ryan Gebhardt singled through the left side on a slash play that scored Kyle Roliard from second. However, with two runners on and no outs, FS starter Greg Gonzalez worked out of the jam after fanning two batters and inducing a pop out.

Ribera extended Fresno State's lead in the fifth as he ripped a two-out, two-run double to left center. FS then added a pair of runs in both the seventh and eighth innings to cap a nine-run scoring outburst.

Petersen (4-4) was charged with the loss after allowing five runs, three of which were earned, on seven hits, two walks and two strikeouts.

In the seventh, Austin Hedges singled through the right side for his third hit of the evening, tying a career-high and Gebhardt drove him in with a one-out single to center field. Tech added two more runs in the bottom of the ninth as Mark Threlkeld drove in Justin Gordey and Sam Alvis but it wasn't enough as J.D. Salles closed the door as Alex Williams flied out to left to end the game.

Gonzalez (8-0) worked 7.0 innings and allowed two runs on seven hits while striking out eight batters to pick up the win.

Louisiana Tech (25-23, 7-10 WAC) returns to action tomorrow afternoon with a doubleheader against Fresno State. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. while the second game is slated to begin 45 minutes after the conclusion of game one.

Notes: Louisiana Tech is now 23-26 all-time against Fresno State... Kyle Roliard has now hit safely in 11-straight games since moving to the leadoff spot (18-for-39, .462)... Ryan Gebhardt has now hit safely in six-straight games... Gebhardt has hit safely in 12-straight home games (17-for-36, .472)... Justin Gordey has now hit safely in six-straight games... Sam Alvis scored the first run of his career... The three hits from Austin Hedges tied a career-high...Mark Threlkeld has made 117 consecutive starts.