Rare appeal helps LA Tech slip past Sam Houston

RUSTON, La. – Louisiana Tech (32-13, 10-4 CUSA) escaped with a 5-4 victory over Sam Houston (24-19, 7-10 CUSA) Saturday at J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park.

When the eighth inning came, craziness followed after Walker Janek’s home run was called back because he failed to touch home plate after rounding the bases.

when you’re so amped to elbow bump your bro you forget why you’re elbow bumping your bro pic.twitter.com/SbnnwbCleb

— go tech pls dont die (@gotechplsdntdie) April 27, 2024

Janek’s home run would have tied the ball game at 5-5, but instead, it was called a triple, and Janek would be out at home plate. Then, Ethan Bates came in the ninth inning to earn his 14th save this season.

Tech jumped out to the lead early following a two-run home run from Cole McConnell while extending his on-base reach streak to 23 games. Later in the inning, Grant Comeaux earned an RBI after a sacrifice fly to center field to send Ethan Bates to score across home plate, putting Tech up 3-0 in the bottom of the first inning.

In the top of the third, Sam Houston cut Tech’s lead to two, following a Jake Tatom RBI single up the middle, sending Caleb Cotton to score. While on the mound, Tech pitcher Luke Nichols went five innings and a third, allowing one run and three hits while setting a new season and career-high in strikeouts with eight.

Later in the fifth inning, the Bulldogs added to their total of runs when Ethan Bates scored home on a wild pitch, putting the Bulldogs up 4-1. Eventually, Sam Houston fought to tie the game up in the top of the sixth when Jefferey David scored on a throwing error from Comeaux. Next, the Bearkats picked up runs from Easton Loyd and Lane Brewster after a Caleb Cotton double, which tied it up.

In the bottom of the seventh, Tech took back the lead when Comeaux singled to the left side of the field and advanced Jorge Corona to third base. A play later, Corona scored from a wild pitch from Wyatt Tucker, putting Tech up 5-4.

UP NEXT
Louisiana Tech looks to go for the sweep against Sam Houston on Sunday afternoon. The first pitch for Sunday’s game will be at 1 PM and televised 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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