April 4, 2009

Box Score

RUSTON -- Louisiana Tech (12-12, 0-3 WAC) could not overcome two five-run innings by Nevada (14-15, 3-0 WAC) in game one, and they were unable to capitalize on several opportunities late in game two as the Wolf Pack won both games of Saturday's doubleheader at J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park.

"In game one our players did not quit," Tech head coach Wade Simoneaux said. "They fought back in the seventh and eighth innings. We had opportunities to take control of the game, but they were too little and too late.

"Jeb Stefan pitched outstanding for a freshman in game two," Simoneaux said. "Nevada had the timely hits. We hit several balls hard with runners in scoring position, but they were right at them. Their right fielder (Brett Hart) made a nice catch by crashing into the wall late in the game. We out-hit them 8-7, but it is all about timely hits."

After Patrick Thomas led off game one with a solo home run, his third of the season, Nevada put five runs on the scoreboard in the second inning on a two-run RBI double by catcher Travis Simas, a one-run RBI single by center fielder Westley Moss and a two-run home run by left fielder Matt Bowman.

Chris Kersten smashed a solo home run, his eighth of the season, in the bottom half of the second inning to center field.

The Bulldogs added their third run of the game on a single by Kevin Winn. At the end of three innings, Tech trailed by two, 5-3.

The Wolf Pack put together their second five-run inning of game one in the sixth. Following a wild pitch that scored second baseman Nick Leid, Nevada first baseman Shaun Kort hit a grand slam to put his team ahead 10-3.

Winn recorded an RBI walk in the seventh inning. With the bases loaded, Devon Dageford followed his effort by launching a sacrifice fly to right field. Tech trailed 10-5 after seven.

Nevada earned one run back in the eighth inning.

Tech once again loaded the bases in the bottom of the inning, but they could only muster two runs on an RBI single by Thomas.

Sammy Miller recorded a 1-2-3 ninth inning to preserve the 11-7 win for the Wolf Pack.

Thomas led Tech in game one by going 4-for-5 with three runs scored, a double, a home run and three RBI.

Tech starter Jamey Bradshaw received the loss in the first game. He is now 0-2 on the year.

In the second game of the doubleheader, Jeb Stefan received the start. Through the first three frames, he held the Wolf Pack scoreless. In fact, the freshman from Lafayette, La. did not allow a hit until the third frame.

Ashton Hughes changed the scoreless game after he launched his second home run of the season, a solo shot, in the third inning.

The Bulldogs' advantage did not last long as Moss hit a two-run RBI double in the fourth.

Derek Achelpohl held Tech to one hit, a double, in the fourth and fifth innings.

Tech had a chance to rally in the sixth inning. Winn started the opportunity by recording an infield single. Dageford then ripped a line drive to the outfield, but right fielder Brett Hart held onto the ball after he crashed into the wall. His catch could have very well saved a run and at least a double. Following an Alex Williams single and a steal by pinch runner Chris Juneau, the Bulldogs had base runners on second and third with two outs. Kersten battled Achelpohl by fouling off several pitches, but the Nevada pitcher was able to force Kersten to end the inning by grounding out.

Nevada added two more runs in the seventh inning to take a 4-1 lead. The Wolf Pack held on in the seventh inning as Daniel Tinlin recorded the save.

Hughes went a perfect 2-for-2 at the plate in the second game. Grunenwald also recorded two hits in the game.

Stefan battled through all seven innings, but he received the loss. He is now 2-3 on the year.

The final game of the opening Western Athletic Conference series between LA Tech and Nevada is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

Fans can listen to Dave Nitz call the play-by-play action on the radio at ESPN 97.7 FM. An audio stream will also be available at www.espn977.com. Nitz will begin the pregame show at approximately 12:50 p.m.

The game can be seen for free by clicking on the "Athletics" tab at www.latechtv.com.

An animated version of the game can be viewed by utilizing the GameTracker function found at www.latechsports.com.

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