Box Score

BEAUMONT, Texas ââ'¬" On a night that saw Louisiana Tech record only three hits ââ'¬" all singles ââ'¬" the Lady Techsters put pressure on Lamar on the base paths and ultimately defeated the Cardinals 3-2 Wednesday night.

Tech (9-8) scored all three of its runs on stolen bases ââ'¬" including the go-ahead run in the top of the seventh inning ââ'¬" as it improved to 5-0 all-time against Lamar.

Juniors Krystal De La Cruz and Preslee Gallaway combined to throw seven solid innings with Gallaway (4-3) picking up the win in relief. De La Cruz got the start, worked four strong innings, allowing only one run on three hits before being relieved in the fifth.

With the game tied at 1-1, Gallaway surrendered a solo home run off the bat of Paige Holmes as the Cardinals took a 2-1 lead. However, Gallaway then retired the next nine batters in order, giving Tech a chance to rally.

Tech tied the game in the top of the sixth inning. Morgan Turkoly walked, stole second base and moved to third on a fielding error on a ground ball off the bat of Katie Smith. With runners on first and third, Smith broke from first base and a throwing error by the Lamar catcher allowed Turkoly to score from third with the tying run.

The Lady Techsters capatilized on more Lamar mistakes in the top of the seventh inning. Ali Galaz led the inning off by walking and then moved to second base on a successful sacrifice bunt by Berkley Calapp. With two outs, Galaz stole third and scored on another throwing error by the Lamar catcher. Tech led 3-2.

Gallaway retired Lamar in the bottom of the seventh to seal the win.

Lamar (7-7) took an early 1-0 lead in the second inning. De La Cruz hit the leadoff batter and two outs later gave up an RBI single to right field off the bat of Shannon Klaus. Tech tied the game in the top of the fourth inning after Turkoly singled and moved to third on a single by Smith. Tech then pulled a successful double steal as Turkoly scored from third.

While Lamar committed a school record six errors in the game, Tech made some great defensive plays, including a pair of hit-saving plays by Calapp at third base.

The Lady Techsters will return to action Friday at the Texas A&M Invitational against Texas State at 12:15 p.m. and the Aggies at 2:30 p.m.