Techsters run-rule Northwestern State, 11-3

NATCHITOCHES, La. – An eight-run first inning set the tone for Louisiana Tech as the Lady Techsters defeated Northwestern State 11-3 in five innings Wednesday night at Lady Demons Diamond.

Tech (21-7) increased its winning streak to six games and won for the fourth straight time against Northwestern State (13-14).

The Lady Techsters plated eight runs on five hits against NSU starter Mikayla Brown and reliever Bronte Rhoden in the top of the first inning. Zoe Hicks singled home the first run of the frame followed by an RBI double by Lindsay Edwards and an RBI single by Mary Terral.

After a run scored on a passed ball, Kimmie Atienza and Jazlyn Crowder both recorded two-run singles to finish the offensive onslaught.

Tech starters Krystal De La Cruz saw Northwestern State load the bases in the bottom of the first on a walk, error and hit by pitch but induced a ground out to third base to end the threat.

The score remained 8-0 until the top of the third inning when the Lady Techsters plated three more runs. Marilyn Rizzato started the scoring with her second home run of the season, a solo blast deep over the left field fence to up the advantage to 9-0. Morgan Turkoly and Crowder then added RBI singles to plate the final two runs for Tech.

De La Cruz (6-1) pitched four scoreless innings for Tech, allowing four hits and two walks. The senior got some defensive help in the bottom of the fourth inning. After back-to-back singles put runners on first and second with two outs, NSU hit a ground ball single up the middle and into centerfield where Crowder charged the ball and then threw a dart home to Rizzato who tagged the Lady Demons runner for the final out of the frame.

NSU plated three runs in the bottom of the fifth inning against a pair of Tech relievers before the final out of the game was recorded.

Atienza (2-4, 2 runs, 2 RBI, SB), Turkoly (1-1, 2 runs, RBI), Crowder (2-3, run, 3 RBI), Hicks (1-3, run, RBI), Edwards (1-3, double, run, RBI), Terral (1-3, run, RBI), Rizzato (1-2, 2 runs, RBI) and Bayli Simon (run) led Tech offensively.

Tech returns to action this weekend when it hosts North Texas in a pivotal Conference USA series in Ruston.