Box Score

RUSTON - Missouri State used a six-run third inning to blow open a scoreless contest as the Bears defeated Louisiana Tech 9-2 in the final game of the Lady Techster Invitational Sunday in Ruston.

Tech ended the weekend tournament 2-3 with a pair of shutout victories on Saturday. The Lady Techsters will travel to face Jackson State Wednesday before opening play Thursday against Mississippi State in the February Freezer hosted by the SEC Bulldogs.

Head coach Mark Montgomery's team couldn't overcome some physical and mental mistakes against the Bears, both which opened the door for the third run fireworks. The two teams entered the frame in a scoreless game, but Missouri State (4-1) capitalized on four hits, three walks and a unsuccessful attempt at a fielder's choice in the frame.

Tech starter Bianca Duran (1-3) cruised through the first two innings before running into trouble in the third. Duran walked the leadoff batter in the frame, the first of five straight batters to reach base against the Tech senior. Freshman Carolina Sanchez then came on in relief and by the time the third out was recorded, Missouri State led 6-0.

Missouri State starter Chelsea Jones kept the LA Tech offense quiet for most of the game. Tech managed just three hits against Jones through the first five innings - singles by Katie Smith, Tori Charters and Krysta Tutsch - without allowing a run.

The Lady Techster bats finally came to life in the bottom of the sixth inning. Freshman Taylor Brintzenhoff started the frame with a solo home run over the centerfield fence, her first collegiate hit and the Lady Techsters first run of the game. Charters then singled and moved to third on a wild pitch and a throwing error and one out later, Kassie Harris singled to left center plating Charters with the second run of the game.

Tutsch followed with her second hit of the game putting runners on first and second with only one out and chasing Jones from the game. Missouri State sophomore Erin Struemph promptly retired the next two batters via strikeout, ending the LA Tech threat.

The Bears then put the game away in the top of the seventh on Chelsea Thomas' three-run home run.

Duran (1-3) took the loss for Tech, allowing four runs on four hits and two walks. Sanchez pitched 2.2 innings, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks. Pauline Tufi pitched the final 2.1 innings, allowing three runs - two earned - on three hits and one walk.

Charters and Tutsch each recorded two hits to lead LA Tech offensively.