RUSTON, La. – Louisiana Tech begins the 2024 season with a win in its home opener against Northern Colorado. The Bulldogs defeated the Bears, 9-3, in a game in which both teams had eight hits.
Tech got off to a slow start, giving up one run on two hits and one error in the top of the first inning. Senior Ethan Bates added a spark to the offense with a double to right field, extending his current on-base streak to 24.
The Bulldogs (1-0) tied the game in the second inning after a wild pitch with the bases loaded, resulting in Grant Comeau giving the Bulldogs the lead. Northern Colorado (0-1) scored a run in the top of the third inning to make it 2-1. Tech collected three runs in the bottom of the third inning. Senior Dalton Davis scored on a balk and senior Jorge Corona followed on a wild pitch for Northern Colorado. Los Angeles Tech made it 4-2 when Kasten Farr loaded the bases and scored Adarius Myers.
UNC cut Los Angeles Tex's lead to one run when Jackson Romero singled in to drive in Kai Wagner. Redshirt junior Will Safford hit his first home run of the season into the right field seats, giving Tech a 5-3 lead. Tech increased its lead to 7-3 by scoring two more points after a throwing error by Northern Colorado shortstop Kai Wagner.
Senior Kasten Farr scored his second RBI of the game, giving Tech an 8-3 lead in the bottom of the sixth inning. Louisiana Tech eventually pushed the score to 9-3 after Jorge Corona scored on a fielder's choice.
Louisiana Tech pitchers Reid Smith and Grant Fubka combined for 11 strikeouts against Northern Colorado. Hubka, a Nebraska native, had a career-high six strikeouts on the mound and allowed just two runs. Smith, a senior, had five strikeouts in two games last season, setting a career high with five strikeouts. Smith also allowed five hits and three runs.
Louisiana Tech continues its four-game home opener Saturday with a doubleheader against Northern Colorado at noon and 3 p.m.
Social media
For the latest information on Bulldog Baseball, follow us on Twitter (@LATechBSB), Instagram (@LATechBSB) and Facebook (LATechBSB).
