By Stephen Featherston, Louisiana Tech Director of Strategic Communications; featured photo by Darrell James
RUSTON — Louisiana Tech jumped out to an early 3-0 lead over Liberty, but nine unanswered runs allowed the Flames to cruise to a 9-3 win at Dr. Billy Bundrick Field on Saturday afternoon. The loss moves LA Tech to 29-20 (14-9 CUSA).
The Bulldogs were outhit 15-3 in the loss.
KB Briley registered two hits and an RBI, while Reagan Marchant blasted her 15th home run of the season and drove in two runs. Marchant, Alexis Gilio, and Kaylee Grealy all scored a run.
Laney Johnson took the loss in the circle after making her 15th start. She moves to 5-4 this season after giving up six runs on seven hits in 3.1 innings of work. Johnson struck out one and walked two. Mattison Buster pitched the final 3.2 innings and allowed three runs (one earned) while collecting one strike out.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Bulldogs took an 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first as Marchant hit a two-run homer to dead center. She drove in Gilio who reached on a fielder’s choice in the prior at bat.
After a three-up-three-down top of the second, LA Tech added one run to its lead as Briley singled to left field, scoring Grealy who reached base on a throwing error.
The Flames scored four runs on four hits in the top of the third and never looked back as they would add five more runs over the next four frames. Liberty recorded three straight singles to start the third, followed by a walk that allowed a run to score. A sac fly and a double would allow three more runs to cross, making it 4-3 Flames.
Liberty took a 6-3 lead after adding two runs on four hits in the fourth. A double and a single allowed Savannah Whatley to clear the bases on a single. The Flames went on to add one run on three hits in the sixth, followed two runs on three hits and two errors in the seventh.
The Bulldogs loaded the bases in the sixth with just one out but were unable to make anything of it.
NOTABLES
LA Tech moves to 0-8 all-time against Liberty.
Laney Johnson made her 15th start of the season in the circle and moves to 5-4 after taking the loss.
Laney Johnson recorded her 20th strikeout of the season.
Reagan Marchant hit her 15th home run of the season. She is now alone in second place for the most home runs in a single season by a Bulldog with 15.
Reagan Marchant tallied two RBI to record her team-best 14th multi-RBI game of the season.
KB Briley recorded her second multi-hit game of the season.
NEXT UP
The Bulldogs and Flames will be back in action tomorrow for the series finale. First pitch is set for noon. LA Tech will honor its five seniors after the game in KB Briley, Alexis Gilio, Nicole Hammoude, Alyssa Martin, and Claire Raley.