April 20, 2013

Box Score

LOGAN, Utah - Mandy Harmon struck out nine batters and added a two-run single to lead Utah State to a 5-2 win over Louisiana Tech in the rubber match of the three-game Western Athletic Conference series at LaRee and LeGrand Johnson Field Saturday.

With the loss, Tech fell to 22-22 on the year and 7-8 in Western Athletic Conference play as the Lady Techsters will return home to host Ole Miss Wednesday and UTSA Friday and Saturday.

Tech took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning, plating an unearned run against Harmon. Amanda Krueger, who walked all four plate appearances on the day, led off with a walk before being eventually erased at second base on a fielder's choice groundout by Kristen Miles.

After a Janna Frandrup infield single advanced Miles to second, Melanie Goff hit a routine ground ball to shortstop that Becca Walker bobbled and then threw away at second base, allowing Miles to score and give Tech the early 1-0 lead.

The momentum was short-lived though as Utah State scored three runs on three hits in the bottom of the first inning against Tech starter Anna Cross. Allison Lenzora walked and Christne Thomsen singled and then Hailey Froton followed with a two-run triple to right field as the Aggies took a 2-1 lead. Nicole Arata then drove Froton home with an infield single for the final run of the frame.

After a shaky first inning Harmon settled down in the circle for Utah State, holding the Lady Techsters to only two infield singles through the first five innings of action. The Aggies extended their lead in the bottom of the fifth inning as Harmon came through with a two-run double to left centerfield as Utah State pushed the advantage to 5-1.

Tech finally made some noise in the top of the sixth inning as Alayna Kipp reached after being hit by a pitch and Meghan Knowles singled off the left field wall. One out later, Hailey Winter singled up the middle and into centerfield scoring Kipp and cutting the deficit to 5-2. With two outs, Krueger walked to load the bases, but pinch hitter Claudia Cantu struck out looking for the final out of the frame.

Harmon picked up the win, recording nine strikeouts - all of them looking - while allowing only four hits, five walks and two runs - one earned.

Cross (6-6) took the loss, allowing three runs on nine hits and one walk in 3.2 innings of action.

Offensively, Tech was led by Krueger (4 walks, SB), Miles (1 run), Frandrup (1-4), Alayna Kipp (1 run), Knowles (1-2), Winter (1-3, 1 RBI) and Cross (1-3).