Final Stats

Box Score: LA Tech 7, Valpo 5

RUSTON, La. - Louisiana Tech (8-3) came back from a three-run deficit late in the game and scored five runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to win a thriller over Valparaiso, 7-5, in Sunday's series finale at J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park in Ruston.

LA Tech shortstop Chandler Hall came through in the clutch with the game-winning two-run single to left field after Jonathan Washam came on as a pinch hitter and tied the game on an RBI single to right field. The Bulldogs trailed 5-2 heading into the eighth, but LA Tech sent 10 batters to the plate, scoring five runs on four base hits while taking advantage of two errors by the Crusaders.

With Sunday's come-from-behind victory, LA Tech took the series over Valparaiso with back-to-back wins on Saturday and Sunday.

"We've been waiting for this," head coach Greg Goff said. "Today was a good day. I am really proud of the team effort with guys coming off the bench and playing their roles. I don't believe guys come through in those situations if they have selfish attitudes. Our guys are playing their roles and that is why I think this team could be special."

Adam Atkins (1-0) picked up the win for the Bulldogs after coming on in relief in the seventh and holding the Crusaders scoreless on just two hits in the final 2.2 innings. Christian Marquez started for Tech and lasted 1.1 innings while allowing four runs on six hits before being relieved by Casey Sutton in the second. Sutton came in and stopped the bleeding for the Bulldogs with four shutout innings before allowing one in the seventh. The right-hander struck out five and allowed just three hits in five innings on the mound.

The Bulldogs found themselves in a hole early trailing 1-0 after the top of the first, but LA Tech came right back in the bottom half of the inning after a lead-off hit for Raphael Gladu set up Sean Ullrich's RBI single to tie the game at 1-1.

Valparaiso came right back in the second with four straight base hits to plate three runs and give the Crusaders a 4-1 lead, which lasted until the fifth when LA Tech cut the lead to two on an RBI single by Gladu.

Valpo added a run in the seventh to make it 5-2, but LA Tech waited until the eighth to begin its comeback. Gladu led off the frame with his fourth hit of the game, a single to right field, while Garrett Dodd also singled to give Tech two on and no outs. LA Tech then capitalized on a Valpo error when Sean Ullrich flew out to right field, but a dropped ball loaded the bases for the Bulldogs. A fielder's choice resulted in two runs thanks to a throwing error which made it a one-run game. Jonathan Washam came on as a pinch hitter and lined the first pitch he saw into right field for an RBI single to knot the game at 5-5, which led to Hall driving in the game-winning runs to give the Bulldogs the victory.

In addition to Hall's game-winner, Gladu also had a big day at the plate with a 4-for-5 effort with an RBI and two runs. Dodd and Jordan Washam also had two hits apiece on the afternoon, while Cody Daigle and Ullrich each had an RBI. LA Tech had 12 hits in the game, all of which were singles.

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