LA Tech downs Sam Houston in 2-0 pitchers’ duel

RUSTON, La. – Louisiana Tech out-dueled Sam Houston in a Friday night pitchers’ duel in the Love Shack, 2-0, in front of an attendance of 1963.

This game was short of any standout offense, but Tech’s pitching and defense provided. Pitcher Reed Smith (5-3) went five scoreless frames for the Bulldogs on the mound while allowing three hits.

In the fifth inning, Louisiana Tech (31-13, 9-4 CUSA) jumped on the board first after Cole McConnell (2-for-3, 2 RBI) singled to right field, allowing Grant Comeaux to score home.

Later, pitcher Grant Hubka checked in on the mound for Smith, and in Hubka’s 1.2 innings of work, he struck out three batters and kept Sam Houston (24-18, 7-9 CUSA) scoreless. In the seventh inning, McConnell earned his second RBI of the game following a sacrifice fly to left field, putting the Bulldogs up to 2-0.

Eventually, Sam Brodersen, in his one inning of work, added to the strikeout total, giving him 68 strikeouts this season. Ethan Bates came in the ninth inning to close out the game and secured his 13 save this season, breaking the LA Tech single-season.

QUOTABLES
Head Coach Lane Burroughs
” I am proud of our guys! I thought Reed was outstanding for the third or fourth time. I said in pregame with Dave I think our starters are trending upwards. I thought Hubka was outstanding tonight, and I thought the ball wasn’t coming out well on Wednesday night against Nicholls, and he said he was good tonight. Tonight, he made some big pitches. Bates broke the single-season saves record tonight, so I am proud of him.”

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.

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