Box Score March 18, 2015 Box Score
NATCHITOCHES, La. - Northwestern State used a six-run first inning to jump out to a big lead and then held off Louisiana Tech 10-5 in mid-week non-conference action at Lady Demon Diamond Wednesday night.
Tech (16-8) saw the Demons (16-12) take advantage of three walks, an error and three hits in the opening frame as Northwestern State jumped out to a six-run advantage.
After being set down in order in the first inning, Louisiana Tech saw runners reach in each of the final six frames as the Lady Techsters slowly fought back into the contest.
In the top of the second inning, Krysta Tutsch was hit by a pitch and then advanced to third on Bianca Duran's double to centerfield. Tutsch scored on a sacrifice fly by Janine Godwin, cutting the deficit to 6-1. With two outs, Karlee Jensen singled to second base putting runners on the corner. Jensen then stole second base and Duran scored from third on a error by NSU catcher Baylee Shephard's throw down to second. NSU led 6-2.
The Demons responded in the bottom of the second inning. After retiring the first two batters of the frame, reliever Bailey Allen saw four straight Demons reach as two more runs crossed the plate and the NSU lead increased to 8-2.
Tech got the two runs back in the third. Tori Charters reached on an infield single and scored on a towering two-run home run by Anna Cross over the left field fence. It was Cross' second home run of the season as Tech trailed 8-4.
After NSU added a run in the bottom of the third, Tech once again returned the favor in the top of the fourth inning. Katie Smith doubled to right centerfield with one out and then scored on pinch hitter Kassie Harris' RBI single through the right side. Tech had a chance to cut the lead even more with runners on second and third and two outs, but NSU pitcher Micaela Bouvier recorded a strike out to end the threat.
The scored remained 9-5 Demons until the bottom of the sixth inning when Brittney Jones hit a solo home run with two outs to end the scoring.
Tech freshman Carolina Sanchez (2-1) took the loss, allowing five runs - four earned - on one hit and three walks. Bouvier (8-4) picked up the win in relief for NSU, allowing three earned runs on five hits and four walks while striking out six.
The Lady Techsters return to action this weekend when they travel to face Southern Miss in a three-game Conference USA series in Hattiesburg.
