Softball: LA Tech splits Saturday pair at UTSA

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Brooke Diaz hit a key three-run home run and Bre Hernandez pitched a complete game to lead Louisiana Tech to an 8-4 win over UTSA in the first game of a Conference USA doubleheader at Roadrunner Field.

UTSA won the second game 17-2.

The two teams will return to play another doubleheader Saturday at 1 p.m.

Game 1: LA Tech 8, UTSA 4

After UTSA plated four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to tie the game at 4-4, the Lady Techsters responded in a big way. Brooke Diaz’ three-run home run to straight away centerfield capped a four-run seventh inning and lifted LA Tech to the win in game one.

Tech (11-14, 1-1 C-USA) took a 5-4 lead when Madie Green scored on a wild pitch with one out. Following a strikeout, Diaz lined the first pitch she saw deep over the centerfield fence, giving the Lady Techsters an 8-4 advantage.

Hernandez (5-4) retired three of the four batters that UTSA sent to the plate in the bottom half of the frame to seal the victory. Hernandez worked all 7.0 innings, allowing four runs – none earned – on seven hits and two walks while striking seven.

The game was scoreless through three innings before the Lady Techsters plated three runs in the top of the fourth inning. Amanda Gonzalez, who was 3-for-3 at the plate, scored the first run on a perfectly executed double steal.

Zoe Hicks then singled to left centerfield with two outs, scoring KB Briley to make it 2-0. Briley was 4-for-4 at the plate in the win. Tristin Court then followed with an RBI single to left field to up the advantage to 3-0.

Tech tacked on another run in the top of the fifth inning when Gonzalez singled up the middle, scoring Green and upping the lead to 4-0.

Hernandez cruised until the bottom of the sixth inning when UTSA scored four runs – all of them unearned – capped by Celeste Loughman’s two-run home run.

But Tech would answer in the seventh as Green walked, Gonzalez and Briley each singles and then Diaz cleared the bases.

Game 2: UTSA 17, LA Tech 2 (5 innings)

Jordyn Manning and Amanda Gonzalez each hit their first home run of the season but UTSA exploded for 17 runs in the 17-2 win in game two.

UTSA scored three in the first, five in the second and nine in the third and capitalized on seven walks, three errors and 13 hits in the victory.

Tech starter Audrey Pickett (3-6) took the loss, allowing eight runs on seven hits and five walks in 1.2 innings of action. Lauren Menzina came on in relief, and allowed nine runs – only two earned – on nine hits and two walks in 2.1 innings of work.

Manning’s home run – the second of her collegiate career – was a deep shot over the left field wall leading off the top of the third inning. She added a double in the fifth.

Gonzalez’ home run was to left centerfield leading off the top of the fourth inning.