RUSTON, La. – Louisiana Tech utility player Ethan Bates lands on D1 Baseball Top 50 Relief Pitchers and Second Basemen. Bates would named to the 30 spot for top relief pitchers and 31 for top second basemen. 
Bates wrapped his junior season with 56 of 57 games starting as a position player (31 at 2B, 18 at 3B, and 7 at DH) while also making 25 appearances on the mound as the primary closer. 

The Arkansas native averaged 270/.540/.377 (BA/SLG/OBP) with 16 home runs, eight doubles, one triple, 38 RBIs, 36 runs scored and one stolen base. Bates's 16 homers ranked second on the team and seventh in CUSA.

As a pitcher, Bates recorded a team-best ERA of 3.02 with a 4-3 overall record while throwing 44.2 innings and striking out 57 batters. He racked up 10 saves, third-most in C-USA, and tied for second-most in a single season in program history. 

LA Tech opens the season with a four-game series against Northern Colorado at J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park. The first pitch on Opening Day is set for 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16.

For all the latest in Bulldog Baseball, follow us on Twitter (@LATechBSB), Instagram (@LATechBSB), and Facebook (LATechBSB).