Louisiana Tech falls in series opener

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The Bulldogs had two runs, before registering their first out, but it wasn’t enough as Louisiana Tech dropped the series opener at Middle Tennessee 6-3 on Friday night in Murfreesboro.

Jordan Washam was the lone run producer for the Bulldogs, as the lefty blasted a two-run shot with nobody out in the top of the first to give Louisiana an early 2-0 lead.

That lead would be short-lived though as Middle Tennessee scored a run in the bottom of the first and three runs in the bottom of the second to take a 4-2 lead. Two more insurance runs in the fourth would be all the runs the Blue Raiders needed.

Louisiana Tech threatened in the ninth but could ultimately get just one run across in the frame as Chase Lunceford scored on a wild pitch.

Sean Ullrich and Jonathan Washam helped lead the offensive effort as each picked up a pair of hits. Both of Ullrich’s hits were doubles.

Zack Hamilton was spectacular in relief, giving the Bulldogs a chance to get back in it, tossing four innings without allowing a run and surrendering just a single hit over that stretch. Hamilton struck out seven over those four innings.

Carson Lester got the win for the Blue Raiders, his first of the season, as he went seven innings and allowed just two runs. Lester struck out a career-high seven.

With the loss, Louisiana Tech now sits in a tie for fourth place in Conference USA with Charlotte, who clinched a spot in postseason play today with their win over Marshall.

LA Tech will look to bounce back in game two of the series tonight at 6 p.m. with Nate Harris getting the start.