Hilltoppers salvage series finale against Bulldogs

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Louisiana Tech’s Jorge Corona hit a two-run homer in the fourth but that was all the runs the Bulldogs could manage as they dropped the finale of the three-game Conference USA series at Western Kentucky, 5-2, before 212 at Nick Denes Field Sunday afternoon.

Tech swept Saturday’s doubleheader, 5-3 and 3-2.

WKU’s Devyn Terbrak, 3-1, was the winner; he surrendered the homer to Corona after Tech third baseman Logan McLeod, the only Dog with two hits on the afternoon, reached on an error to open the Dogs’ fourth. Terbrak scattered six hits, struck out two and walked one through eight innings.

The Tops helped themselves defensively by turning three double plays.

In four innings of work, Tech lefty Ryan Harland, 0-3, was the tough-luck loser after giving up two runs, neither earned, on three singles in the bottom of the fourth.

Tech starter Greg Martinez surrendered a two-run homer to Tops shortstop Drew Reckart in the first before giving way to Harland in the bottom of the fourth.

Western Kentucky is 16-9 overall, 2-4 in C-USA. Tech’s record is even, 12-12 overall and 3-3 in the league.

Tech begins a four-game homestand Tuesday with a 6 p.m. non-conference game against Sacramento State, then welcomes C-USA opponent Dallas Baptist Friday at 6 p.m. to begin a three-game set at J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park.