Techsters open Dr. Billy Bundrick Field with 6-3 win over Tarleton State

RUSTON, La. – After nearly two years between home games on campus due to an EF3 tornado, Louisiana Tech saw Mother Nature play one last little trick Friday night.

The Lady Techsters opened Dr. Billy Bundrick Field against Tarleton State, but had to wait through a couple of 15-minute rain delays prior to the start of the game and then again in the top of the first inning.

It didn’t matter.

The Lady Techsters overcame an early two-run deficit behind a solid pitching performance by senior Bre Hernandez and some much-needed offensive production to defeat the Texans 6-3.

Pitching through a pretty steady rain, Hernandez saw four of the first five Texans reach base in the top of the first inning as Tarleton State took an early 2-0 lead. However, after the second 15-minute rain delay, Hernandez returned to the circle and found her groove.

Hernandez (1-2) retired the next 15 batters she faced until a one-out single by Katy Schaefer in the top of the sixth inning. By then, LA Tech led 5-2.

Tech plated four runs in the bottom of the first inning. Freshman Olivia Ellingson reached on an infield single – one of three on the night for the rookie – and then scored on an RBI double to left centerfield by Kara Goff. After Goff advanced to third on a passed ball and Madie Green walked, Tech executed a double steal as Goff scored on the play to tie the game at 2-2.

Tanjala Smith then singled home Green to give Tech the lead. Following a stolen base by Smith and a ground out, Smith scored on a wild pitch to give the Lady Techsters a 4-2 advantage.

Tech added to its lead in the bottom of the fifth inning. Ellingson singled, stole second and scored on Goff’s RBI single to left centerfield. The Lady Techsters added their final run in the sixth on a double steal that saw Bailey Wright score.

Tarleton State mounted a threat in the top of the seventh inning. The Texans loaded the bases with two outs and scored on an RBI single to centerfield to cut the Tech advantage to 6-3. Schaefer, Tarleton’s top hitter, came to the plate with a chance to tie the game or give the Texans the lead but Hernandez struck her out swinging to seal the victory.

Hernandez worked all 7.0 innings, allowing three runs on six hits and two walks while striking out four. Julia Wernet (4-3) took the loss, allowing six runs on 10 hits and three walks while striking out none.

Ellingson (3-4, 2 runs), Goff (2-3, 1 run, 2 RBI), Hicks (2-2), Green (1-2, run), Smith (1-2, run, RBI) and Wright (1-3, run) led Tech offensively.

The Lady Techsters will host Baylor Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and Tarleton State at 5 p.m. The Bears and the Texans will lead the day off with a 12 p.m. first pitch.