EL PASO, Texas –
Josh Taylor didn't hide his feelings in the postgame huddle following Louisiana Tech's performance in Saturday's 7-6 loss to UTEP Saturday at Helen of Troy Field.
"Unacceptable," said Taylor.
Tech pitchers issued 10 walks and hit two batters while the Lady Techster hitters failed to capitalize on numerous hitters counts in the one-run loss to the Miners.
"The tone was set early, and it wasn't set in a positive way," said Taylor. "We were poor offensively in the first inning, swinging at pitches way out of the zone. We walked the first batter of the game on four pitches. We simply didn't compete and execute like I know this team is capable. That's the disappointing thing about today."
UTEP (11-18, 2-6) snapped a six game Conference USA losing streak with the win and snapped Tech's four-game league winning streak along the way.
The Miners scored three runs in the first inning on three walks, a hit batter and two seeing eye singles. UTEP added three more runs in the second on two walks, a hit batter and three singles.
Madie Green's two-run home run in the top of the second was the only real highlight of the first two frames for Tech.
"You can't give other teams runs," Taylor said. "That's what we did. Ten walks. Two hit batters. That's 12 free base runners. You may as well put 19 hits on the board for them (instead of seven)."
Trailing 7-2, Tech (19-13, 4-4 C-USA) took advantage of a little wildness by UTEP pitchers in the top of the fifth, scoring three runs without recording a hit. Five of UTEP's six walks allowed came in the one frame.
Tech added a run in the sixth inning to cut the deficit to 7-6, but UTEP retired the Lady Techsters in order in the seventh to close out the game. Tech stranded 11 base runners in the game, while the Miners stranded 12.
Green was 2-for-2 at the plate with three RBI and reached base safely all four times.
Sierra Sacco was 2-for-5 at the plate as Tech outhit UTEP 8-7.
Lauren Menzina (2-5) took the loss, allowing three runs on three walks, one hit batter and two hits in two-thirds of an inning.
Emma Hutchinson worked the final 5.1 innings, allowing four runs on five hits, seven walks and one hit batter.
The two teams will play the rubber game of the series Sunday at noon.
