March 17, 2013

Final Stats

RUSTON, La. - Louisiana Tech scored a season-high 12 runs to beat Stephen F. Austin, 12-2, Sunday afternoon and earn the series victory over the Lumberjacks at J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park in Ruston.

Tech (7-14) outscored the Lumberjacks 9-0 in the first five innings of play and totaled a season-high 14 hits to defeat the visitors in the rubber match of the weekend series versus Stephen F. Austin (9-10).

Tech starter Richie Navari (1-3) earned his first win of the season after pitching five complete innings of two-hit baseball while allowing no runs and striking out four. James Ferguson relieved Navari to start the sixth inning followed by Adam Derouen, Tucker Ward and Luke Giddens, who all pitched an inning apiece in the win.

"It was fun out there and it was nice to have some run support," junior Richie Navari said. "It was a heck of a lot easier [pitching with a lead]."

Right hander Cameron Gann (1-3) was charged with the loss after allowing four runs - all earned - on six hits in four innings of work. Cory Maltz came on in relief of Gann in the fifth in addition to four other Lumberjack pitchers that saw action Sunday.

Jacob Derouen led the Bulldogs with a career day at the plate after going 3-for-5 with three runs batted in and two runs scored. Derouen was 6-for-13 against the Lumberjacks over the course of the weekend with a double, three RBI, two stolen bases and four runs scored.

"I was the designated hitter, so I could focus more on hitting today, and I just got good pitches to hit and found some holes," Derouen said. "I think we finally had some hits fall with guys on base and were able to keep innings going and keep our pitchers fresh."

The Bulldogs had four hitters record multiple hits on the day, with shortstop Ryan Gebhardt putting together a 3-for-5 performance with a double, an RBI and run scored. Taylor Terrasas was a perfect 2-for-2 at the plate with two runs scored and a walk, while Tyler Qualls returned from injury to go 2-for-3 with three RBI. Taylor Burch was also 1-for-2 with two RBI in the victory.

Tech led 4-0 before a five-run fifth inning gave the Bulldogs a nine-run advantage after Tech totaled five singles and a walk to plate all five base runners in the inning. The Bulldogs added their final three runs of the afternoon in the bottom of the sixth for their best offensive showing of the season.

The Lumberjacks were led by shortstop Hunter Dozier who was 2-for-3 with a double and a run scored, while first baseman Max Lamantia was 1-for-3 and drove in a run for SFA.

Tech will return to action with two midweek games at home beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday against UALR followed by a contest at 6 p.m. Wednesday versus Alcorn State.

For complete coverage of Bulldog Baseball, please follow @LATechBSB on Twitter or visit the official home of Louisiana Tech athletics at www.LATechSports.com.