Nov. 4, 2009
RUSTON--Joey Ford went 3-for-3 including a two-run homerun in the third inning to help lead the Blue team (2-1) to a 3-2 victory over the White team (1-2) in game three of the LA Tech Fall World Series Wednesday night at J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park.
"Both team played a lot better tonight," head coach Wade Simoneaux said. "It was a well played ballgame and we really cut down on our defensive mistakes."
True freshman right hander Caleb Dudley (1-0) had an impressive performance on the mound for the Blue team, keeping the White team offense at bay. Dudley gave up just one run while recording four strikeouts and scattering five hits in five innings of work to earn the win. Matt Calhoun (1) earned his first save of the series for the Blue team.
The White team's Josh Barrett (0-1) was solid on the mound as well pitching four and two thirds innings, surrendering three runs, two earned, and four strikeouts. Mike LeBreton came on in relief of Barrett and pitched two and a third scoreless innings for the White.
`I was happy with the way both starters pitched tonight," Simoneaux said. "Both team's relievers had good nights too. So it was a much better defensive game for us. I was also pleased with the way both teams fought until the last out. "
Down 3-0 in the fourth the Blue team answered Ford's two-run homerun as Devon Dageford hit an opposite field solo shot over the right field fence to make it 3-1.
In the bottom of the seventh, the White team had one last chance to at least tie the score and send the game into extra innings. With two outs Kyle Roliard walked for the White, bringing up Tech's single season homerun record holder Dageford. However, after a stolen base by Roliard the Blue team wouldn't give Dageford the chance to tie the score as they intentionally walked him. A balk by Calhoun then moved both runners into scoring position, with Roliard on third and Dageford on second. The true freshman pitcher was not fazed though, as he struck out fellow freshman Philip Menou to end the threat and the game.
|
|
 |
The Blue team now leads the series 2-1. Game four of the series is set for 3:00 p.m. on Saturday at J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park.
