Box Score March 22, 2012
Final Stats | Notes
RUSTON, La. - Closer Caleb Dudley tied Louisiana Tech's all-time saves record as the junior recorded his 18th-career save in a 2-1 victory over Dallas Baptist (13-7) on Thursday at J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park.
Dudley pitched a scoreless ninth, allowing one walk and striking out two to tie Buddy Aulds for most saves by any Bulldog pitcher in history. The save was also Dudley's fourth of the season.
Offense was at a premium as freshman Phil Maton (4-1) picked up his fourth win of the season as the Bulldogs moved to 11-10 on the season. Maton went 6.1 innings, allowing two hits and one run while striking out six. Cy Sneed (4-2) was credited with his second loss of the season after allowing eight hits and two runs while striking out 10.
Second baseman Austin Hedges went 3-for-3 from the plate, scored two runs and stole his third base of the season while leadoff hitter Sam Alvis was 2-for-4 at the dish. Right fielder Taylor Burch was 1-for-2 with a double and RBI while sacrificing twice.
The Bulldogs took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning after a two-out RBI-double by Burch, scoring Hedges from second base. Hedges singled with one out in the inning and stole second base to get into scoring position with Burch at the plate.
The Patriots tied the game at 1-1 in the top of the fourth inning on a wild pitch.
Tech played small ball in the bottom of the sixth inning to take a 2-1 lead after back-to-back walks to lead off the inning. With Hedges on second and catcher Tyler Qualls at first, Burch sacrificed both runners into scoring position for designated hitter Kyle Arnsberg. Arnsberg took a full count fastball to left field to drive in Hedges and give the Bulldogs a 2-1 lead.
Jamie Gilley pitched 1.2 perfect innings in relief striking out three Patriots. With one out in the top of the seventh inning and runners on first and second, Gilley entered the game for the Bulldogs and picked off Duncan McAlpine for the second out of the inning, preserving the one-run lead for Tech.
Maton, Gilley and Dudley held the Patriots offense to just two hits and struck out 11 going into game two Friday night.
Jeb Stefan (1-3) takes the hill for the Bulldogs as first pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
Fans can listen to the voice of the Bulldogs, Dave Nitz, on the LA Tech Sports Network and can follow the game via Game Tracker.
For complete coverage of Bulldog Baseball, please follow @LATechKQueliz on Twitter or visit the official home of Louisiana Tech Athletics at LATechSports.com.
