RUSTON, La. – Big offensive innings are starting to be a little more common for Louisiana Tech.

The Lady Techsters used a 5-run sixth inning to pull away and defeat Nicholls State 8-3 in the first game of a three-game non-conference series Friday night at Dr. Billy Bundrick Field.

Tied 3-3 in the bottom of the sixth inning, Sierra Sacco recorded an RBI single to centerfield – her third hit of the game – and Caroline Easom followed with a two-run single up the middle Brooke Diaz then capped it off with a no-doubt drive over the centerfield wall as the Lady Techsters won their fourth straight game.

Lauren Menzina got the start in the circle for Tech and picked up the win. Menzina (3-5) worked around some early inning challenges, surrendering single runs in the first, third and fourth innings, but she got some timely outs to keep crooked numbers off the scoreboard.

After the Colonels (10-23) took an early 1-0 lead in the first, Tech (25-15) answered in the bottom as Brooke Diaz singled with two outs to centerfield, scoring Sacco from third base.

Tech took a 3-1 lead in the second on a two-out, two-run single to left centerfield by Sacco. NSU scored single runs in the third and fourth to knot the game at 3-3.

However, Tech chased NSU starter Paris Lehman from the game in the sixth, plating five runs on five hits.

Sacco (3-3, 2 runs, 3 RBI), Diaz (2-4, HR, 3 RBI) and Easom (1-4, 2 RBI) led Tech at the plate.

Menzina allowed three runs – only one earned – on eight hits and three walks in the complete-game performance.

Tech has outscored its opponents 35-10 during its four-game winning streak.

The two teams will play a doubleheader Saturday starting at 12 p.m. at Dr. Billy Bundrick Field.