Bulldogs split conference doubleheader with UTEP
The Louisiana Tech softball team split its doubleheader against UTEP on Sunday, winning game two 4-2, and losing game one, 4-0, at Dr. Billy Bundrick Field on Alumni Weekend.
Two runs in the fifth and sixth innings combined with stellar pitching were the decisive factors in the series finale.
Trailing 2-0 with one out in the bottom of the fifth inning, the Bulldogs tied the game on an RBI double by Kylie Neel combined with a Miners’ throwing error on an overthrow past second base on the play that scored the tying run.
Caroline Easom’s basesloaded two-run single with two outs in the bottom of the sixth inning provided the winning runs in the Louisiana Tech (27-16, 10-8 CUSA) victory.
Easom led the Tech efforts offensively by going 2-for-2 with 2 RBIs, a double, a run scored, and a sacrifice bunt.
Kylie Neel (1-for-2, RBI), Nicole Hammoude (1-for-2, run), and Claire Raley ( 1- for- 3, run) also recorded hits in the win. In the circle, Mattison Buster earned her second career victory with three brilliant innings of shutout relief.
Buster only allowed no hits while issuing no walks and striking out two Miners. Allie Floyd started the contest, allowing two runs on five hits, two walks, and one strikeout in four innings pitched.
Offensively, Tech struggled in their loss to UTEP in the opening game of the doubleheader. Neel and Kaylee Grealy recorded the Bulldogs’ lone hits in the loss. Jina Baffuto reached base twice on free passes ( base on balls and hit by pitch), Katelin Cooper walked twice, and Alexis Gilio and Paris Endris drew a walk.
In the circle, Alyssa Martin was outstanding in relief, allowing just two hits and one unearned run in four innings. Lauren Menzina also provided two strong innings, allowing one unearned run on two hits. Brook Melnychuk (1 inning, 2 hits, 2 earned runs) took the loss in her 16th start of the season to fall to 9-7.
“When we were trailing in the fifth our message was, ‘When is enough enough of the offensive performance?’ Sometimes when we get in a rut or start to struggle a little bit they go the opposite direction of try harder and try harder which does not work in this sport,” Tech head coach Josh Taylor said. “It was good to see Carol (Easom) take heart and understand the message and the mentality of the message.
“She got her barrel out to hit a big double which led to tying the game and we were able to do some short game and use our skill sets with Claire Raley and Aubree Seaney after Nicole Hammoude led off the inning with a single. Carol got her barrel out once again and got the big hit. Like I told the team, it is a positive start to another week and we take that lesson to the fifth and the sixth inning,” he continued.
The Bulldogs will be back in action tonight at 6 p.m. when they travel to Northwestern State. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.
