RUSTON, La. – Senior Krystal De La Cruz struck out six and allowed just two hits and Louisiana Tech erupted for six runs in the bottom of the sixth to down ULM 6-0 Tuesday night at the Lady Techster Softball Complex.

Tech (31-9) won its ninth straight game and will host Northwestern State Wednesday at 6 p.m.

De La Cruz (10-2) was masterful in the circle, allowing singles in the fifth and seventh innings, while not walking a batter in the complete-game performance.

ULM starter Adrianna Chavarria battled De La Cruz pitch-for-pitch through the first five innings, allowing just four hits and no runs as the two teams stayed in a scoreless tie.

De La Cruz recorded big outs in the top of the fifth and top of the sixth when ULM had the go-ahead run on third base with two outs, keeping the Warhawks (7-31) off the scoreboard.

Tech finally found its high-scoring offensive attack in the bottom of the sixth, plating six runs on nine hits. Zoe Hicks gave Tech a 1-0 lead on an infield single to third base, plating Morgan Turkoly with the first run of the game. Tech then executed a double steal as Jazlyn Crowder scored as Hicks was caught in a run down between first and second.

With two outs and no one on base, Tech saw seven straight batters single, including run-scoring hits by Bayli Simon, Marilyn Rizzato and Kimmie Atienza.

Tech outhit ULM 13-2 in the win. Atienza (2-3, 2 RBI, SB), Turkoly (2-4, run), Jazlyn Crowder (1-3, run, SB), Hicks (1-3, RBI), Sloane Stewartson (1-2), Edwards (2-3, run), Simon (2-3, run, RBI), Rizzato (1-3, RBI), Berkley Calapp (1-3), Meghan Robicheaux (run) and AJ Williams (run) led Tech offensively.