RUSTON, La - Cole McConnell's late-game home run pushed Louisiana Tech (15-5) to a 7-5 win over Northwestern State (5-14) Saturday afternoon at J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park. 

Offensively, Louisiana Tech got going early, following a SAC Fly RBI from Dalton Davis, which scored Kasten Furr (1-for-2, 2 RBI, 2 BB), making it a 1-0 game in the first inning. Northwestern State took the lead in the top of the second after a three-run inning following a pair of a two-RBI singles and an RBI double. However, Tech tied the game up in the bottom of the second thanks to a Furr two-RBI single to left. 

Northwestern State answered with a Samuel Stephensen home run and took the lead back in the top of the third inning, turning it into a 4-3 game. Senior Ethan Bates tied the game back up for Tech, which he singled to left field, picking up an RBI while scoring Dalton Davis(2-for-3, RBI, 2B), who doubled to start the bottom of the third. The Demons struck back with an RBI single from Clay Jung, putting Northwestern State up 5-4 in the fourth inning. 

Meanwhile, in the bottom of the seventh inning, McConnell sent a ball over the center field wall, scoring Furr and giving Tech a 6-5 lead while recording his sixth home run this season. Michael Ballard gave Tech an insurance run in the eighth with an SAC Fly RBI, scoring Adarius Myers and making it a 7-5 game.

QUOTABLES
Head Coach Lane Burroughs

"It was a gritty and gutsy win today, that's a good team over there in Northwestern State. Their record is not an indicator of what type of team they are. They're a good team, and don't let the record fool you. Ethan was lights out today I know it's a tough task to ask to get six outs, but he's up for the task, and he's a competitor. 

UP NEXT 
Louisiana Tech will look to continue its success against Northwestern State on Sunday. The first pitch for Sunday's game will be at 2 PM at J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park. 

TICKET INFO. 
During the 2024 season, a limited number of single-game reserved chairback tickets may be available on a game-by-game basis. Any opportunities for unclaimed single-game tickets will go on sale, if available, no earlier than 24 hours before the scheduled first pitch.

Single-game standing-room only and right-field berm tickets are also available on a game-by-game basis for $15. 

To purchase, fans can stop by the LA Tech Baseball Box Office at J.C. Love Field, open two hours before the first pitch, or visit LATechSports.com/Tickets.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
For all the latest in Bulldog Baseball, follow us on Twitter (@LATechBSB), Instagram (@LATechBSB), and Facebook (LATechBSB).