Bates and Ballard carry Tech to victory over Middle Tennessee

RUSTON, La. – A clutch eighth inning from Louisiana Tech secured a Friday night victory over Middle Tennessee while extending Tech’s home game-winning streak to nine. Louisiana Tech (24-8, CUSA 5-2) secured a 5-3 win over Middle Tennessee (10-18, CUSA 2-5) after an Ethan Bates home run and a Logan McLeod RBI single in the eighth inning.

Middle Tennessee secured an early lead after Bryce Symlar drove a ball to Kasten Furr, forcing Gabe Jennings to score from third base. Later, the Blue Raiders picked up another run after Bryce Symlar secured his second RBI of the night, and Middle Tennessee extended its lead to 2-0 in the top of the fourth inning. Then Gabe Jennings grew Middle Tennessee’s lead to 3-0, following a double down the left field line, sending Eston Snider home.

Eventually, Tech would get on the board following a Michael Ballard (2-for-4, 2 RBI, HR) two-run home run in the bottom of the fifth inning. Meanwhile, in the sixth inning, Will Safford earned an RBI after he reached on fielder’s choice, advancing Ethan Bates to home and tying the game up at 3-3. Ethan Bates (2-for-4, RBI, HR) notched his seventh home run of the season after he sent a no-doubter to right field and put Tech up 4-3 in the bottom of the eighth inning. Next, Logan McLeod secured Tech with an insurance run after he picked up an RBI single to right center, extending Tech’s lead 5-3.

Sam Brodersen was lights out on the mound against the Blue Raiders, striking out four batters in 2.0 innings of work and giving up one hit on the night. Bates came in the ninth inning and locked up his ninth save this season while he struck out three batters in the ninth inning to secure the Tech victory.

UP NEXT
Tech is set to take a series win against Middle Tennessee tomorrow following a Friday night victory. The first pitch to Saturday’s game will be at 2 PM on ESPN+.

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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