By Stephen Featherston, Louisiana Tech Director of Strategic Communications; featured photo by Josh McDaniel
RUSTON — Louisiana Tech bounced back in a big way in game three of this weekend’s Conference USA opener, defeating New Mexico State 10-4 on Sunday afternoon at Dr. Billy Bundrick Field. The win moves LA Tech to 12-11 (1-2 CUSA).
Former Airline star Elena Heng continued her outstanding freshman series with three hits. Another former Airline standout, Paris Endris, made her first start of the season at first base. She recorded her first extra-base hit of the season and had an RBI.
Claire Raley had two hits. Addison Snyder had a game-high three RBI, while Nicole Hammoude drove in two runs. Raley and Alannah Rogers recorded one RBI each.
Allie Furr led the team with three runs, while Raley and Heng both crossed home plate twice. Hammoude, Rogers, and Gracie Floresall scored one run each for the Bulldogs.
Allie Floyd earned the win in the circle and moves to 8-5 on the season. The junior pitcher tossed her seventh complete game of the season, as she recorded seven strikeouts while allowing four runs on 11 hits.
HOW IT HAPPENED
NMSU struck first in the top of the first as Desirae Spearman doubled and came around to score on a single from Skye Johnson. Spearman was able to reach third on a single from Lauren Garcia. Despite allowing three hits in the frame, Floyd struck out three batters in the inning.
LA Tech answered back with two runs in the bottom of the first as Heng led off the inning with a double. After a pop up out, Raley singled to second, allowing Heng to reach third. A Raley stolen base and walk to Hammoude would load the bases for Rogers, who singled up the middle to score Heng. Snyder reached on a fielder’s choice and picked up an RBI as Raley scored to make it 2-1 LA Tech.
The Aggies made it 2-2 in the top of the third as Kristiana Watson hit a two-out solo home run to left field. The Bulldogs once again answered and went up 3-2 as Furr reached base on a throwing error that rolled into right field, allowing her to reach third base safely. Hammoude picked up an RBI as she hit a sac fly to right field that scored Furr.
NMSU took a 4-3 lead in the top of the fourth as Taylor Nicholson hit a two-run home run that scored Johnna Aragon who reached on a single.
The Bulldogs would plate seven runs over the next two innings with a four-run fifth and a three-run sixth. Tech’s big fourth inning got started as Heng and Furr recorded back-to-back bunt singles to start the inning. Raley laid down a sac bunt to put Heng and Furr in scoring position, followed by a walk to Hammoude that loaded the bases. Rogers reached first on a fielder’s choice as NMSU recorded the out at home. With the bases still loaded, Snyder singled to center field that allowed Hammoude and Furr to score, while Rogers advanced to third. Flores pinch ran for Snyder and advanced to second on a stolen base, while Rogers scored on a throwing error. Flores was able to score on a double to center from Endris, making it 7-4 LA Tech.
Heng recorded her third lead off hit of the afternoon as she tripled to start the bottom of the sixth inning. Furr reached base on a fielding error by the short stop which allowed Heng to score safely, making it 8-4 LA Tech. Raley tripled to right field, allowing Furr to score, followed by a single from Hammoude that plated Raley to make it 10-4.
NOTABLES
The Bulldogs move to 16-21 against NMSU all-time.
Allie Floyd made her 12th start of the season in the circle and picked up her eight win.
Allie Floyd recorded at least five strikeouts for the ninth consecutive game, finishing with seven strikeouts.
Allie Floyd pitched her seventh complete game.
Claire Raley recorded her sixth stolen base of the season.
Paris Endris made her first start of the season at first base.
Paris Endris recorded her first extra base hit of the season.
Addison Snyder set a new career-high with three RBI.
Elena Heng registered her 10th multi-hit game of the season.
Nicole Hammoude drove in two runs to record her sixth multi-RBI game of the season.
Nicole Hammoude extended her hit streak to nine games.
Allie Furr scored a career-high three runs.
NEXT UP
The Bulldogs will return to action when McNeese visits Dr. Billy Bundrick Field for a 4 p.m. first pitch on Wednesday.