By Drew Parsley, Louisiana Tech Associate Director Strategic Communications; featured photo by Josh McDaniel
The Bulldogs took care of business in Friday night’s season opener against the Maine Black Bears, securing the first win of the season by a comfortable score of 14-3.
Colton Coates struck the scoreboard for the Diamond Dogs in the first frame on a pulled double down the right-field line, bringing around Sebastian Mexico who reached base on a four-pitch walk the at-bat prior.
After a scoreless second inning, Maine answered by plating a pair of runs on a base hit in the third. Louisiana Tech then responds with a leadoff walk by Will Safford, who ultimately reached third on a stolen base followed by an error. Two at-bats later, Michael Ballard drove a 1-1 pitch over the left field wall to give the ‘Dogs the lead and they never looked back.
The Bulldogs put up a four-spot in the fourth but would not be able to complete the inning without a 45-minute rain delay that took place with the bases loaded, two outs and a 1-0 count to Coates. After returning from the delay, Coates battled to a full count before delivering a two-run knock to push LA Tech’s lead to five through four innings.
Maine cut the deficit to four after an infield RBI single in the seventh, but it did not matter has the Bulldogs wrapped up the season opener with seven unanswered runs in the seventh and eighth innings.
Seven newcomers made their LA Tech debuts on Friday night, including starts in the lineup from Zeb Ruddell, Sebastian Mexico, Trey Hawsey, Garrison Berkley and Eli Berch. Noah Magee and Logan Forsythe each made relief appearances on the mound.
Magee tossed the final 2/3 of the seventh while striking out his first batter as a Bulldog. Forsythe shut the door on the Black Bears with two scoreless frames, allowing just one walk and also etching in his first punchout.
Saturday’s doubleheader will start with a 10:05 a.m. first pitch. The second game of the day will follow approximately 45 minutes after the conclusion of the first game. Both games can be found on ESPN+ and heard on 97.7 FM/LA Tech Sports Network or the LA Tech Athletics app.