RUSTON, La. – A series-opening pitcher's duel between the Roadrunners and Lady Techsters remained scoreless all the way to the sixth on Friday night at Dr. Billy Bundrick Field. However, Louisiana Tech (23-18, 6-7 C-USA) capitalized on a leadoff single to gain just enough of an edge to defeat UTSA (7-30, 3-9 C-USA), 1-0.
Senior Marena Estell put forth a stalwart effort in the circle, holding the Lady Techsters without a hit until the fourth inning – only allowing two total hits on the night.
The Roadrunners logged a baserunner in four innings and posed the biggest threat in the top of the third with two aboard – Rylie Giddens reaching third after leading off with a walk.
UTSA collected six hits on the night, but it was the Lady Techsters that capitalized in the sixth inning. Sierra Sacco led off with a single up the middle and moved over on consecutive sacrifice bunts. A dropped outfield fly turned sac fly, allowing LA Tech to pull ahead 1-0 as Sacco crossed the plate.
For the Lady Techsters, reliever Allie Floyd (6-7) earned the win, throwing 4.0 innings with four UTSA hits. Estell (3-8) took 6.0 innings and allowed only two hits, striking out three in the loss.
Six Roadrunners collected a hit in the series opener.
The Roadrunners and Lady Techsters return to action in the second game of the series on Saturday with a 1:00 p.m. first pitch for weather.
- UTSA -