Big innings lift LA Tech to softball series win over UTSA

RUSTON — Louisiana Tech put a couple of crooked numbers on the scoreboard Sunday in defeating UTSA 7-4 and claiming the series at Dr. Billy Bundrick Field.

The Lady Techsters (22-15, 7-5 C-USA) scored four runs in the second and three runs in the sixth and held off a seventh inning rally by the Roadrunners (10-20, 4-5).

Sierra Sacco, Amanda Gonzalez, Brooke Diaz and Katelin Cooper each recorded two hits while Caroline Easom and Cooper had multiple RBIs in the victory.

After failing to score after loading the bases with no outs in the first, Tech responded in the bottom of the second. Lindsay Edwards led off the frame with a solo home run to left center.

Then with two outs, Easom lined a two-run double down the left field line and Diaz followed with an RBI single to centerfield, giving Tech a 4-0 lead.

Audrey Pickett (15-4), who picked up her second win of the series in the circle, surrendered a two-run home run in the fourth and a solo shot in the fifth as UTSA closed the deficit to 4-3.

Tech responded with some much-needed insurance in the bottom of the sixth. With the bases loaded and two outs, Sacco scored on a passed ball to make it 5-3. Cooper then hit a triple off the right field fence, plating to more and upping the advantage to 7-3.

UTSA loaded the bases with one out in the seventh, but a fly ball (that scored a run) and a ground ball to third ended the game.

Pickett worked a complete game – her 17^th of the season – allowing four runs on nine hits and two walks while striking out three in the performance.

Tech travels to Monroe Tuesday to face ULM at 6 p.m.