Louisiana Tech posts 15-1 win over Wichita State

RUSTON, La. - It was an offensive barrage in the first inning at J.C. Love Field at Patterson Park, as Louisiana Tech (10-1) put up an eight-spot in the first frame on their way to an impressive 15-1 win over Wichita State on Saturday night.

“You wouldn’t be human if you didn’t think back to Wednesday when we jumped out to that 8-0 lead,” head coach Lane Burroughs said. “The good thing is that the wind was not howling out. Our guys are really locked in at the plate right now. I am so proud of them and Coach Zulli. We have worked on cutting down on our punch outs. That is two days in a row we have only punched out four times against a really good staff and club.”

Louisiana Tech would bat around in both the first inning and sixth innings, as four different Bulldogs registered multiple RBI, led by Jordan Washam’s careerhigh five RBI.

Cameron Linck got the start for the Bulldogs and after a scoreless first inning, the Diamond ‘Dogs gave him all the run support he could ask for.

The Bulldogs would go on to put up eight runs in the bottom of the first. The first three Bulldogs reached via hit in Jordan Washam, Raphael Gladu and Brent Diaz. Diaz’ double put the Bulldogs on the board first, 1-0. An RBIgroundout from Jonathan Washam, gave Louisiana Tech a 2-0 lead.

With two outs in the inning, the wheels fell off for the Shockers. Cody Daigle blasted a two-out, two-run home run to center field to make it a 4-0 game. A dropped foul ball, gave Sean Ullrich new life as he would later walk following the Daigle home run. Marshall Boggs delivered an RBI-double to the gap in left center to make it 5-0. After Skelton was hit by a pitch, Wichita State went to the bullpen with two outs in the first inning.

“We embrace the hit by pitch, walk and error,” Burroughs continued. “We had two big innings and those ingredients were in it if you go dissect it. It was good to come out and put up a lot of runs, so we did not have to use some of our arms that may have put some stress on them if we had to use them. I am excited about tomorrow and the chance to sweep a good club.”

Codi Heuer came on to relieve Cody Tyler and Jordan Washam did not give him a warm welcome. Washam blasted a threerun home run to right center, making it an 8-0 game.

With an eight-run lead to play with, Linck would toss 5.1 innings, striking out five and allowing a lone run.

Graham Ahlrich would come on to toss a scoreless inning, striking out two.

LA Tech would add more than insurance in the bottom of the sixth with a seven-run frame. A sacrifice fly from Lunceford brought home the first run of the inning. Jonathan Washam followed with an RBI-single and then an RBI-groundout from Sean Ullrich made it 11-1. Boggs and Jordan Washam each delivered a two-RBI single to give Louisiana Tech it’s final runs of the game at 15-1.

Mark Baughman and Josh Carpenter combined to pitch the final 2.2 innings and neither allowed a run.