Sunday, November 15, 2009

Hour game too long for wounded Bulldogs to keep the lead

'If only we played just 30 minutes'
La. Tech unable to build on first-half momentum
• By SCOTT RABALAIS
• Special to The Advocate
• Published: Nov 15, 2009


Halftime in the Louisiana Tech locker room:
As the saying goes, the joint was jumping.
The Bulldogs had just marched 83 yards on 13 plays to score as time expired, catching the LSU defense flatfooted with a trick-play touchdown Tech simply calls “Jump.”
Louisiana Tech 13, No. 9 LSU 10 at the break. It was the first time the Bulldogs led the Tigers since their lone victory over LSU, a 6-0 triumph way back during the Roosevelt administration.
That would be the Teddy Roosevelt administration. The year was 1904.
“Is that right?” Tech coach Derek Dooley asked his publicist as he sat down for his postgame interview.
“If we only played just 30 minutes.”
But as Dooley well knows, football is a 60-minute game. And as the second half wore on, Tech’s dreams of a program-defining upset were ground down — though not completely erased — by a deeper LSU team in a 24-16 defeat Saturday night in Tiger Stadium.
“We ran out of guys,” Dooley said. “(Running back) Daniel Porter and (wide receiver) Phillip Livas were hurt, and it just got tough down the stretch. LSU did a good job of stopping the run in the second half.
“They’re the better football team. They’ve got more guys — right now. We just ran out of guys.”
Tech (3-7) outgained LSU 322-246 overall, including a 178-141 edge in rushing. But the Bulldogs managed just 93 yards total offense and 47 yards rushing in the second half.
Tech’s only points after halftime came on Matt Nelson’s 36-yard field goal with 25 seconds remaining, pulling the Bulldogs within a touchdown and two-point conversion of a tie.
Nelson’s subsequent onside kick attempt bounced out of bounds — plus Tech was flagged for being offside — giving LSU (8-2) the ball at the Bulldogs’ 48.
“I think we gave it our all,” said Porter, an Istrouma High graduate. “We didn’t get the result we wanted, but I’m still proud. We’ll go on from here.”
It was Porter who triggered the game’s most spectacular highlight just before intermission.
Starting from its 17 with 4:32 remaining, Tech drove to a fourth-and-goal at the LSU 1 with two seconds remaining.
Passing up on an almost sure field goal that would have pulled Tech within 10-9, Dooley called for “Jump.”
On the play, Porter lined up behind quarterback Ross Jenkins, who was under center. Jenkins slid to his left and pretended to be giving an audible to his left tackle and guard, opening up a direct snap to Porter at the 8.
Porter ran forward to the 5, then leaped up and lobbed a pass to tight end Dennis Morris, who circled in from the right side and camped in the middle of the end zone among three defenders.
“It pretty much works every time” in practice, Morris said. “We get the defense on their toes, then we catch them off-guard with the trick play.”
“We practiced it all week,” said Porter, who rushed 13 times for 64 yards. “I was ready for that. I was excited, and I know Dennis Morris was excited. We did a really good job of executing the play.”
One of the game’s interesting subplots came when LSU had the ball, as Tigers right guard Lyle Hitt went head-to-head with his younger brother, Tech defensive tackle Mason Hitt.
The two figured to be bashing into each other a lot, but their matchup became even more extensive when Mason got the start at right tackle.
“It was a lot of fun,” said Mason, who was credited with one stop. “It was a real special game for us. He got the best of me and I got the best of him sometimes.”
Mason said the two didn’t talk much about the game when they spoke afterward, except …
“I told him he’s a lot better than I thought he was on film,” Mason said with a smile.
The same would seem to be true for Tech against LSU. While the Bulldogs still came up on the short end against the Tigers for the 18th time in 19 tries, it was a significant improvement over their 49-10 loss to LSU in 2003 and their 58-10 drubbing here in 2007.
“This is the best state team we’ve played” this year, said Les Miles, who is now 8-0 as LSU’s coach against Louisiana schools. “They may be better than last year — they just don’t have the record to prove it.”
What Tech does have is four straight defeats by a total of 21 points, including two straight to top-10 teams. No. 5 Boise State beat Tech in Ruston on Nov. 6, 45-35.
“There’s a lot to build on for our program,” said Dooley, an LSU assistant from 2000-04. “I believe there are a lot of encouraging signs.”
If only the most encouraging sign could have lasted another 30 minutes.

 

 

 
Find this article at:
http://www.2theadvocate.com/sports/lsu/70130562.html?showAll=y&c=y

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Runners and Sponsors sought for Nov. 7, 2009, 5K veterans' memorial race to benefit Fayetteville National Cemetery

Please click on image to move to Flickr site and ENLARGE for easy reading. The Regional National Cemetery Improvement Corporation meets at 10:30 a.m. Saturday October 10 and needs to add sponsor names to the file for the race T shirts and the brochures so that printing can begin. Already, Tyson Foods has donated at the Medal of Honor level and has challenged others to join them at the top of the list, thanks to the effort of RNCIC Secretary Peggy McClain.
RNCIC 5K sponsorship levels 09

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs roll over Hawaii Warriors in Ruston; now face Nevada Wolfpack on Friday in Reno

Tech Defense Stands Tall in 27-6 Win
Porter rushes for 160 yards and two scores





Daniel Porter

Sept. 30, 2009

Final Stats | Quotes | Notes

RUSTON - The game was promoted as a Red Out. Most of the experts expected an offensive shoot out.

But in the end, Louisiana Tech turned the lights out as it pulled away in the second half for a 27-6 win over Hawaii before 21,260 fans at Joe Aillet Stadium Wednesday night.

Tech (2-2, 1-0 WAC) used a tenacious defensive effort in the victory as the Bulldogs recorded seven sacks, held the nation's top rated passing attack to only 308 yards and held Hawaii without a touchdown for the first time in 63 games.

"The sacks were just devastating," said Tech head coach Derek Dooley. "We had seven on the night. Coach (Tommy) Spangler had a great game plan. He was changing coverages and personnel. Everybody played with heart. I saw our entire team enjoy competing."

Bulldog running back Daniel Porter broke out of an early season slump and rushed for 160 yards and two scores as he led a Tech ground game that amassed 352 yards and averaged more than 6.0 yards per carry. Freshman tailback Tyrone Duplessis added a career-high 75 yards in the win.

"To be able to rush for 366 yards against anybody is one great feat," Dooley said. "Porter looked like himself tonight. We've got two good freshman runners (in Duplessis and DJ Morrow). You know I like to run the football. We had good command of the game, and I didn't want to lose that rhythm."

However, the story of the night was the Bulldog defense. Hawaii (2-2, 0-1 WAC) entered the contest averaging 32.0 points and 515.3 yards per game, but the Warriors never got a rhythm offensively thanks to the effort of the Tech defensive unit.

Hawaii managed only two Scott Enos first half field goals as the Bulldog defense came up with a couple of big plays inside their own five-yard line.




With Tech leading 10-3 late in the second quarter on the strength of a Porter 3-yard touchdown run and a Matt Nelson 28-yard field goal, Hawaii drove down to the field and had a first and goal on the Tech one-yard line. However, Tech stuffed two straight run attempts and Deon Young batted away a third down fade route to the corner of the end zone as the Warriors were forced to kick an 18-yard field goal as the Bulldogs led 10-6 at the half.
Tech's defense struck again early in the third quarter as Kwame Jordan intercepted a batted pass attempt by Hawaii quarterback Greg Alexander on the Warrior 26-yard line. Six plays later, Porter scored on a one-yard burst to give Tech a 17-6 advantage.

"It was a great win," Porter said. "The entire offensive line did a great job. The entire team deserves credit tonight. I got my mojo back tonight. I'm not going to say I was in a slump, but I wasn't getting my yards. I got it back."

After the Bulldogs forced punts on Hawaii's next two offensive possessions, Ross Jenkins and the Tech offense drove 56 yards on eight plays and grabbed a 24-6 lead on a six-yard touchdown run by Myke Compton with 2:22 to play in the third quarter.

Any chance of a Hawaii comeback was doused with Alexander was injured on a collision with Bulldog linebacker Adrien Cole with less than a minute to play in the third quarter. Alexander, who completed 20 of 34 passes for 199 yards and two interceptions, would not return to the game as backup Bryant Moniz finished the game.

With Tech leading 27-6, Moniz drove the Warriors into Tech territory. Moniz found Greg Salas on a 40-yard completion but Salas fumbled on the Tech one-yard line and Chad Boyd recovered for the Bulldogs in the end zone for a touchback.

"Give credit to Louisiana Tech," said Hawaii coach Greg McMackin. "The problem against the run was the worst exhibition of tackling in football. We were diving and not tackling the way we teach. We're not that kind of football team."

Defensively, Tech was led by Tank Calais (8 tackles), Antonio Baker (7 tackles, 1 FF) and D'Anthony Smith (3 tackles, 2 sacks).

The Bulldogs outgained Hawaii 449 to 301 and held Hawaii to negative seven yards rushing.

Tech returns to action Oct. 9 at Nevada in a game that will be televised on ESPN.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Veterans' Memorial 5K race set for November 7, 2009, in Town Branch neighborhood: Sponsorship information below

The Regional National Cemetery Improvement Corporation (RNCIC) is organizing a Veteran’s Memorial 5K race on Saturday, November 7th at the National Cemetery in Fayetteville. The purpose of this 5K race is to raise funds for purchase and clearing of land to expand the Cemetery and, even more importantly, to raise the awareness of the Cemetery and the ongoing threat of closure.
We write to ask that you consider sponsoring the event.
The sole mission of the nonprofit RNCIC is to secure and clear land adjacent to the Fayetteville National Cemetery to ensure that the cemetery can continue to receive veterans for burial. Established immediately after the Civil War, the Fayetteville National Cemetery is an important part of the history of this region and the country. Veterans living in Northwest Arkansas, as well as many veterans from here but now living outside our region, have planned their final resting place here. But that may not be possible in the near future.
The Veteran’s Administration maintains the Cemetery, but the purchase of new land to expand
existing National Cemeteries has not occurred in decades.
When the RNCIC was organized only seven unfilled grave sites remained at Fayetteville National
Cemetery and the Cemetery was soon to be permanently closed to new interments. We have kept the Cemetery open and increased its size by over 120 percent in the ensuing 25 years, but with the passing of the World War II generation of veterans, the Cemetery will be full in a few years and closed to new burials.
Unless, of course, we act now to prevent that.
The recent controversy over the possible rezoning and development of the adjoining property has regularly been on the front page of local newspapers this summer. The massive turnout of veterans and non-veterans alike to public hearings demonstrates the deep emotional currents that surround the National Cemetery. We are grateful for past commitments to support veterans made by this community. We plan to make the race an annual event and, in this inaugural year, we are happy to give you the opportunity to associate yourself with keeping an important part of this region’s and nation’s heritage alive and to honor those who guarded us. We hope that you will see your way clear to sponsor this event. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
Respectfully submitted,
Wesley Stites, Race Organizer
wstites@uark.edu
Tel: 479-871-7478
5K RACE
VETERANS MEMORIAL
Regional National Cemetery Improvement Corporation
P.O. Box 4221
Fayetteville, AR 72702
http://regncic.tripod.com
Veterans' 5 K race November 7, 2009, in Fayetteville, Arkansas: Sponsorship details below
2009 Veteran’s Memorial 5K Race Sponsorship Levels
We thank you for considering sponsorship of this fundraising event. As you may know, all
proceeds of the race go to purchase and clear land for the expansion of Fayetteville National
Cemetery. The Regional National Cemetery Improvement Corporation is a registered nonprofit
with a 25-year history. Through the efforts of this group and, even more importantly, the
generosity of past donors, land has been purchased, cleared, and donated to the Veterans Administration increasing the size of the National Cemetery by 120% and keeping it open for
burial of veterans. However, without additional purchases of land, the cemetery will be closed in 14 years or less.

MEDAL OF HONOR - $1000
Business name and logo prominently on front and back of race shirt
Business name and logo on all race materials and race website
Sponsorship noted in all press releases
Business name and logo on finish line banner
Business recognized at award ceremony
Distribution of marketing materials and/or product samples in race goodie bags
10 complimentary entries and/or race shirts

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE - $500
Business name and logo prominently on back of race shirt
Business name and logo on race website
Business name and logo on finish line banner
Business recognized at award ceremony
Distribution of marketing materials and/or product samples in race goodie bags
5 complimentary entries and/or race shirts

SILVER STAR - $250
Business name and logo on back of race shirt
Business name and logo on race website
Business recognized at award ceremony
Distribution of marketing materials and/or product samples in race goodie bags
3 complimentary entries and/or race shirts

BRONZE STAR - $100
Business name and logo on back of race shirt if room allows
Business name and logo on race website
Business recognized at award ceremony
Distribution of product samples in race goodie bags
1 complimentary entry and/or race shirt
CONTACT Information:
Wesley Stites 479-871-7478
All checks should be payable to Regional National Cemetery Improvement Corporation or to R.N.C.I.C.
Regional National Cemetery Improvement Corporation
P.O. Box 4221
Fayetteville, AR 72702

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Louisiana Tech football 2009 schedule

Please click on image to go to Flickr site and ENLARGE to read.
Louisiana Tech

Saturday, September 5, 2009

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Saturday, May 23, 2009

Tech beats Hawaii 4-3 to open Western Athletic Conference tournament

May 22, 2009

WAC TOURNAMENT: Ewing’s walk-off propels Louisiana Tech to 4-3 win

Bulldogs now face New Mexico State at midnight local time

News-Star news services
HONOLULU -- In an night that included a record-breaking home run by Devon Dageford, Clint Ewing’s two-run walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning catapulted Louisiana Tech to a 4-3 victory over Hawai’i Thursday evening at Les Murakami Stadium.
“Our pitchers pitched extremely well besides a few blunders on defense,” Tech head coach Wade Simoneaux said. “Our hitters continued to be relentless at the plate as they totaled 13 hits. 

“Our players believe we can win. We need to take that same approach in front of a much smaller crowd (Friday) against New Mexico State. We need to play with energy and be ready to go because the Aggies are a quality opponent.”

Since Tech finished the season as the No. 2 seed, they were the home team and thus had the final at-bat Thursday night.

The impressive victory improved the Bulldogs’ overall record to 29-20. Hawai’i is now 31-25 on the year.

With the ballgame tied at two after seven innings, Hawai’i took a one-run lead on a wild pitch by Bulldog reliever John Anderson. The Rainbows had an opportunity to increase their lead in the inning as they had a runner on third base, but Anderson was able to record two strikeouts to end the inning.

Anderson did not allow a Rainbow to reach base in the ninth inning as he sat down the opposition in order. At the end of nine-and-a-half, Tech trailed by only one run.

Mark Threlkeld led off the bottom of the ninth inning with his first hit of the night, a single. Clint Stubbs pinch ran for Threlkeld and soon after, stole second base. With a runner in scoring position and one out, Ewing blasted a two-run walk-off home run to seal a 4-3 victory for the Bulldogs. 

“I was looking to drive a fastball,” Ewing said. “At the very least, I wanted to hit the ball into a gap to score Clint. (Spangler) started me off with two sliders, and I was able to work the count to 1-1. He threw a fastball in and thankfully I did not miss it.”

Ewing’s homer was Tech’s third walk-off this season. It also marked his second walk-off of his career. On April 27, 2008 against Hawai’i, Tech’s seven-run ninth inning, which included a total of three home runs, was highlighted by a three-run smash by Ewing. 

“It is a great feeling to start off our tournament with a win,” Ewing said. “I am glad we won, especially for our seniors. I don’t want to see them lose or let them down.”

Ewing’s seventh long ball of the season was not the only home run of the night as Dageford shattered the previous LA Tech single season home run record of 21, held by four Bulldogs: T.J. Soto, Ed Beuerlein, Ken Shamburg and Brian Myrow. The new home run king hit his 22nd home run of the season, a solo shot, to tie the game in the sixth inning. 

“It was exciting to hit that home run, but I’m just glad we won the game,” Dageford said. “I was also glad I could help the team out and tie the game. I was looking for a fastball and fortunately got it.”

Tech’s hitting was not the only story of the night as Bulldog pitchers contributed a solid effort. 

Bulldog starter Jeb Stefan allowed two runs (both earned) on seven hits in 6 2/3 innings. He was responsible for stranding nine of Hawai’i 13 base runners on the evening.

Reliever Mike Jefferson was able to escape a bases loaded jam in the seventh inning. The eventual game-winner, Anderson, struck out three in 1 2/3 innings.

Hawai’i turned three double plays on the evening; all three were inning-ending.

Tech’s victory over Hawai’i was their first post-season win since they defeated Sacramento State 14-9 in the 2006 WAC Tournament in Fresno, Calif.

Patrick Thomas’ RBI single in the fifth inning scored Kyle Roliard. The RBI was Tech’s 397th of the season, second most in school history. The RBI record is held by the 2007 team, which totaled 408 RBI. 

The Bulldogs will now take on the No. 4 seed New Mexico State Saturday morning at midnight local time. On Thursday, the Aggies defeated the No. 3 seed Fresno State 7-4. Since New Mexico State was the visitor in their game against Fresno State, they will be the home team.

Tech’s second game of the tournament can be heard on ESPN 97.7 FM or www.espn977.com online. Scott Robbs will begin the pregame show at approximately 11:50 p.m. CST.

Live stats will be available at www.latechsports.com.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Jamelle Clements strikes out final Hawaii batter to earn save as Louisiana Tech downs UH 8-7

Rainbows Fall To Bulldogs 8-7 To Suffer First Sweep Of Season
5/3/2009 5:50:26 PM
HONOLULU – The University of Hawai`i Rainbow baseball team (26-20, 9-10 WAC) fell to the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (26-18, 11-9) 8-4 in front of a crowd of 2,922 at Les Murakami Stadium Sunday. Josh Slaats (2-2) took the loss in relief while Mike Jefferson (2-2) picked up the win for the Bulldogs. Jamelle Clements retired the final batter to earn the save.
Vinnie Caticala went 3-for-4 with to runs to lead the way for UH. Ryan Morford went 2-for-3 with a home run while Christian Johnson was 1-for-2 with two RBI, two runs and a homer. Landon Hernandez added a 2-for-4 performance with a double.
Louisiana Tech drew first blood, scoring a run in the top of the first on a solo homer by Kevin Winn.
Morford quickly tied the game, hitting a lead-off home run to left. Kolten Wong drove in Catricala later in the inning, giving UH the 2-1 edge.
Johnson then extended the Hawai`i lead in the bottom of the second, hitting a two-run homer to right, getting the ’Bows out to a 4-1 advantage.
The Bulldogs responded with a two-run inning of their own in the top of the third, only to see the Rainbows answer with two more, making it 6-3 after three innings.
But Tech had the answer in the top of the sixth, posting four runs on five hits to take the lead 7-6.
Greg Garcia tied it again, hitting a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the sixth. UH had an opportunity to break the tie in the eighth, but left the bases loaded.
In the top of the ninth, Louisiana Tech scored the go-ahead run on an infield single with two outs. UH again looked to have a grand opportunity in the bottom of the ninth, putting runners on second and third with just one out. But the Tech relievers had two timely strikeouts to end the game 8-7.
The Rainbows will now head on the road for a mid-week game at Saint Mary’s before their final WAC series of the season, at Fresno State.
Louisiana Tech vs Hawai`i (May 03, 2009)

Box score
Play-by-Play
Box Score

The Automated ScoreBook
Louisiana Tech at Hawai`i
May 03, 2009 at Honolulu, O`ahu (Les Murakami Stadium)

Louisiana Tech 8 (26-18,11-9 WAC)

Player AB R H RBI BB SO PO A LOB
------------------------------------------------------
Thomas, Patrick lf....... 4 1 2 3 1 0 4 0 0
Grunenwald, Nick cf/rf... 4 1 1 0 0 0 5 0 1
Winn, Kevin 2b........... 4 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 0
Dageford, Devon rf....... 4 1 3 1 0 1 0 0 0
Gordey, Justin cf....... 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0
Kersten, Chris ss........ 5 1 2 1 0 1 1 0 3
Williams, Alex 1b........ 4 0 0 0 0 2 3 1 1
Threlkeld, Mark 3b....... 4 1 1 0 0 1 2 0 0
Anderson, John dh........ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Roliard, Kyle ph/dh..... 4 2 3 1 0 0 0 1 0
Meyers, Graham p........ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Clements, Jamelle p..... 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Combs, Matt c............ 3 0 0 0 1 1 9 0 1
Jones, Casey p........... 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
LeBreton, Mike p........ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Watts, Cody p........... 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Jefferson, Mike p....... 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0
Totals................... 37 8 14 8 3 6 27 4 6

Hawai`i 7 (26-20,9-10 WAC)

Player AB R H RBI BB SO PO A LOB
------------------------------------------------------
Morford, Ryan 2b......... 3 1 2 1 2 0 3 3 0
Garcia, Greg ss.......... 4 0 0 1 0 0 2 4 0
Catricala, Vinnie 3b..... 4 2 3 0 1 1 0 3 1
Macdonald, Kevin 1b...... 5 0 0 0 0 1 11 2 5
Wong, Kolten cf.......... 3 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 0
Hernandez, Landon c...... 4 0 2 0 0 0 6 1 1
Montplaisir, Sean lf..... 3 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 1
Johnson, Christian dh.... 2 2 1 2 2 1 0 0 1
Hoey, Shane ph.......... 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
Roquemore, Matt rf....... 3 0 0 0 0 3 3 0 2
Alexander, Jared p....... 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Little, Connor p........ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Slaats, Josh p.......... 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Totals................... 32 7 10 6 6 9 27 14 11

Score by Innings R H E
-------------------------------------------
Louisiana Tech...... 102 004 001 - 8 14 1
Hawai`i............. 222 001 000 - 7 10 0
-------------------------------------------

E - Williams. DP - Hawai`i 2. LOB - LATECH 6; Hawai`i 11. 2B - Thomas, P.;
Dageford; Kersten; Wong; Hernandez; Montplaisir. HR - Winn; Morford;
Johnson. HBP - Wong. SH - Grunenwald,N; Hernandez; Montplaisir; Roquemore 2.
SF - Garcia; Montplaisir. SB - Grunenwald,N; Gordey. CS - Dageford.

Louisiana Tech IP H R ER BB SO AB BF
-----------------------------------------------
Jones, Casey........ 1.0 5 4 4 0 0 8 8
LeBreton, Mike...... 4.2 4 3 3 2 6 15 21
Watts, Cody......... 0.0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1
Jefferson, Mike..... 2.1 1 0 0 3 1 7 12
Roliard, Kyle....... 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Meyers, Graham...... 0.1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1
Clements, Jamelle... 0.1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1

Hawai`i IP H R ER BB SO AB BF
-----------------------------------------------
Alexander, Jared.... 5.1 11 6 6 0 2 25 25
Little, Connor...... 0.0 2 1 1 1 0 2 3
Slaats, Josh........ 3.2 1 1 1 2 4 10 13

Win - Jefferson (2-2). Loss - Slaats (2-2). Save - Clements (1).
WP - Alexander. HBP - by LeBreton (Wong). BK - LeBreton.
Umpires - HP: Kenneth Durham 1B: Ken Eldridge 3B: John Bullock
Start: 1:05 pm Time: 3:31 Attendance: 2922
Jones, C. faced 2 batters in the 2nd.
Little faced 3 batters in the 6th.
Watts faced 1 batter in the 6th.
Jefferson faced 2 batters in the 9th.
Game: 050309

Play-by-Play

The Automated ScoreBook
Louisiana Tech at Hawai`i - Play-by-Play
May 03, 2009 at Honolulu, O`ahu (Les Murakami Stadium)


Score by Innings R H E
-------------------------------------------
Louisiana Tech...... 102 004 001 - 8 14 1
Hawai`i............. 222 001 000 - 7 10 0
-------------------------------------------

Louisiana Tech starters: 4/lf Thomas, P.; 2/cf Grunenwald,N; 7/2b Winn; 36/rf
Dageford; 11/ss Kersten; 18/1b Williams; 26/3b Threlkeld; 9/dh Anderson; 22/c
Combs; 29/p Jones, C.;
Hawai`i starters: 9/2b Morford; 5/ss Garcia; 18/3b Catricala; 26/1b Macdonald;
14/cf Wong; 19/c Hernandez; 8/lf Montplaisir; 10/dh Johnson; 1/rf Roquemore;
15/p Alexander;

Louisiana Tech 1st - Thomas, P. grounded out to ss. Grunenwald,N
grounded out to 1b unassisted. Winn homered to right field, RBI. Dageford
singled to pitcher. Dageford out at second c to 2b, caught stealing. 1 run,
2 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.

Hawai`i 1st - Morford homered to left field, RBI. Garcia flied out to
lf. Catricala singled up the middle. Macdonald popped up to 3b. Wong doubled to
left center, RBI; Catricala scored. Hernandez flied out to lf. 2 runs, 3
hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB.

Louisiana Tech 2nd - Kersten doubled to right center, ground-rule.
Williams grounded out to p. Threlkeld lined into double play 2b to ss; Kersten
out on the play. 0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 LOB.

Hawai`i 2nd - Montplaisir doubled down the rf line. Johnson homered to
right field, 2 RBI; Montplaisir scored. LeBreton to p for Jones, C.. Roquemore
struck out looking. Morford flied out to cf. Garcia fouled out to lf. 2
runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.

Louisiana Tech 3rd - Roliard pinch hit for Anderson. Roliard singled to
left field. Roliard advanced to second on a wild pitch. Combs struck out
looking. Thomas, P. doubled down the rf line, RBI; Roliard scored. Grunenwald,N
singled to right field; Thomas, P. advanced to third. Grunenwald,N stole
second. Winn reached on a fielder's choice; Grunenwald,N advanced to third;
Thomas, P. out at home 1b unassisted. Dageford singled to left field, RBI; Winn
advanced to second; Grunenwald,N scored. Kersten flied out to rf. 2 runs, 4
hits, 0 errors, 2 LOB.

Hawai`i 3rd - Catricala singled through the left side. Macdonald struck
out swinging. Wong hit by pitch; Catricala advanced to second. Hernandez
singled to left center; Wong advanced to second; Catricala advanced to third.
Montplaisir flied out to cf, SAC, RBI; Hernandez advanced to second; Wong
advanced to third; Catricala scored. Hernandez advanced to third on a balk;
Wong scored on a balk. Johnson struck out swinging. 2 runs, 2 hits, 0
errors, 1 LOB.

Louisiana Tech 4th - Williams struck out swinging. Threlkeld flied out
to rf. Roliard to dh. Roliard singled up the middle. Combs grounded out to 3b.
0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 LOB.

Hawai`i 4th - Roquemore struck out swinging. Morford walked. Garcia
flied out to lf. Catricala struck out swinging. 0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 1
LOB.

Louisiana Tech 5th - Thomas, P. flied out to rf. Grunenwald,N grounded
out to ss. Winn grounded out to 3b. 0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.

Hawai`i 5th - Macdonald flied out to cf. Wong out at first 1b to 2b,
bunt. Hernandez doubled down the lf line. Montplaisir struck out swinging. 0
runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 LOB.

Louisiana Tech 6th - Dageford doubled to right field. Kersten singled up
the middle, advanced to second, RBI; Dageford scored. Williams grounded out to
ss. Threlkeld singled through the left side; Kersten advanced to third. Little
to p for Alexander. Roliard singled to left field, RBI; Threlkeld advanced to
second; Kersten scored. Combs walked; Roliard advanced to second; Threlkeld
advanced to third. Thomas, P. singled up the middle, 2 RBI; Combs advanced to
second; Roliard scored; Threlkeld scored. Slaats to p for Little. Grunenwald,N
grounded into double play 2b to ss to 1b; Thomas, P. out on the play. 4
runs, 5 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB.

Hawai`i 6th - Johnson walked. Roquemore grounded out to p, SAC, bunt;
Johnson advanced to second. Morford singled through the left side, advanced to
second; Johnson advanced to third. Garcia flied out to cf, SAC, RBI; Morford
advanced to third; Johnson scored. Watts to p for LeBreton. Catricala walked.
Jefferson to p for Watts. Macdonald popped up to ss. 1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors,
2 LOB.

Louisiana Tech 7th - Winn walked. Dageford struck out looking. Kersten
struck out swinging. Williams struck out swinging. 0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors,
1 LOB.

Hawai`i 7th - Grunenwald,N to rf. Gordey to cf for Dageford. Wong popped
up to 3b. Hernandez flied out to rf. Montplaisir struck out swinging. 0
runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.

Louisiana Tech 8th - Threlkeld struck out swinging. Roliard out at first
1b to p. Combs grounded out to 3b. 0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.

Hawai`i 8th - Johnson walked. Roquemore grounded out to p, SAC, bunt;
Johnson advanced to second. Morford intentionally walked. Garcia popped up to
p, bunt. Catricala singled to left field; Morford advanced to second; Johnson
advanced to third. Macdonald flied out to cf. 0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 3
LOB.

Louisiana Tech 9th - Thomas, P. walked. Grunenwald,N out at first 1b to
2b, SAC, bunt; Thomas, P. advanced to second. Winn grounded out to 2b; Thomas,
P. advanced to third. Gordey singled to second base, RBI; Thomas, P. scored.
Gordey stole second. Kersten flied out to cf. 1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1
LOB.

Hawai`i 9th - Wong walked. Hernandez reached on an error by 1b, SAC,
bunt; Wong advanced to second. Roliard to p. / for Jefferson. Montplaisir
grounded out to p, SAC, bunt; Hernandez advanced to second; Wong advanced to
third. Hoey pinch hit for Johnson. Meyers to p for Roliard. Hoey struck out
swinging. Clements to p for Meyers. Roquemore struck out swinging. 0 runs, 0
hits, 1 error, 2 LOB.

Casey Jones pitching 1st inning of game one at Hawaii on May 3, 2009

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs down the Hawaii Rainbow baseball team 8-4 in third game of series

'Bows Fall 8-4 To Louisiana Tech In Front Of Sold-Out Crowd

5/2/2009 10:10:50 PM

HONOLULU – The University of Hawai`i Rainbow baseball team (26-19, 9-9 WAC) fell to the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (25-18, 10-9) 8-4 in front of a sold-out crowd of 4,567 at Les Murakami Stadium Saturday. Nate Klein (1-3) picked up the loss for UH while John Anderson (6-2) got the win for LTU. Kyle Roliard earned the save for the Bulldogs.
Kevin Macdonald led the way for UH, going 2-for-5 with a home run and two runs. Ryan Morford kept up his hot hitting, going 2-for-5 with a double and one RBI. Landon Hernandez added a 1-for-3 game with two RBI while Sean Montplaisir was 1-for-1 with a run and two walks.
Jesse Moore pitched well in relief, allowing no runs on four hits in 4.2 innings.
The Bulldogs got on the board early, scoring a run in the top of the second. UH answered in the bottom of the inning as Hernandez hit an RBI-single up the middle, tying it at 1-1.
The Rainbows then took the lead in the third inning as Morford doubled in a run, getting it to 2-1. LTU answered in the top of the fourth, hitting two solo home runs to go ahead 3-2. But Macdonald tied it again in the bottom of the fourth, leading off with a solo home run, tying it at 3-3.
Louisiana Tech then broke through in the top of the fifth, scoring five runs on six hits to open up an 8-3 edge.
Hawai`i tried to mount a comeback late in the game. But they were only able to score a run in the seventh while leaving seven runners on base in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings combined, falling by the final of 8-4.
The two teams conclude the series tomorrow at 1:05 p.m. (6:05 p.m. central time TODAY).

Saturday, May 2, 2009

FarmToTable theme of today's program in the Rose Garden of the Walton Art Center with renewable-energy lecture at Night Bird bookstore at 2 p.m.

Please click on image to ENLARGE view of OMNI Springfest poster.

Please click on image to ENLARGE view of poster.

Solar Power Struggle
Professor Richard Hutchinson of Louisiana Tech University in Ruston will speak on "The Struggle for the Solar Future" at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, at Nightbird Books on Dickson Street in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
An inquiry into environmental change and the obstacles and opportunities in the path of the renewable energy transition.
Sponsored by OMNI Center for Peace, Justice, and Ecology.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

First game of Tech at Hawaii four-game series begins at 11:35 p.m. tonight

Bulldogs Continue Conference Play at Hawai'i
Tech will look to move up in the conference standings beginning Thursday

Devon Dageford leads the Bulldogs with 19 home runs and 56 RBI.
April 29, 2009

HONOLULU -- Following a series split at Sacramento State, Louisiana Tech will now play a four-game series at Hawai'i beginning Thursday, April 30 at 11:35 p.m. CST.
"We have to go into the series focused because there are many distractions in Hawai'i," Tech head coach Wade Simoneaux said. "I had a talk with our players and reminded them about the reason why we came here, to play baseball.
"We are going to be playing in a ballpark that favors pitching and defense. Our pitchers need to trust their stuff on the mound and not walk people. Our fielding percentage within the past 10 games is .973 so we need to continue playing well on defense. Lastly, we need to be relentless at the plate and put pressure on them."
The Bulldogs have an overall record of 22-18. Currently, they are fifth in the Western Athletic Conference with a conference record of 7-9. They trail league leaders Hawai'i and Nevada by only 2.5 games.
Hawai'i comes into the series with a record of 26-16, 9-6 WAC. In their last conference series at New Mexico State, the Rainbows split their four-game set with the Aggies.
The Rainbows lead Tech in the head-to-head series, 16-23. Last season, the Bulldogs won two of four games in Ruston, 14-4 and 10-9.
Chris Kersten now ranks first on the team with a .400 batting average. Of his 60 hits on the season, he has recorded 15 doubles, one triple and 16 home runs. In WAC games, Tech's shortstop/third baseman is posting a team-high .475 batting average (28-for-59).
Freshman right-hander Jeb Stefan (3-5, 7.67 ERA) will start game one on Thursday. In Stefan's last outing at Sacramento State, he only made two mistakes, but the Hornets capitalized by hitting two three-run home runs. Besides the two long balls, he walked two and struck out a career-high 10 batters. His 10 strikeouts were the most since Luke Burnett struck out 14 on April 5, 2007 against New Mexico State. Right-hander Jayson Kramer (4-3, 3.68 ERA) will oppose Stefan. Kramer last faced New Mexico State on April 24 and allowed five runs (all earned) in six innings of work.
Dylan Moseley (4-3, 5.34 ERA) will toe the rubber in game two of the series on Friday. In his last start, the native of Texarakana, Ark. pitched through seven innings and gave up four runs (all earned), while striking out two. Right-hander Matt Sisto (4-4, 4.12 ERA) will start for Hawai'i. He leads the Rainbow staff with two complete games, but he has also given up a team-high 72 hits and 33 runs.
Simoneaux and his staff will call on John Anderson (5-2, 5.31 ERA) to start on Saturday. Anderson last started March 20 in a 11-4 win against Houston Baptist. Since then, the right-hander has made eight appearances out of the bullpen. In his last 4 2/3 innings, he has given up one hit, an unearned run and three walks. He has also struck out three. Hawai'i will attempt to counter with right-hander Nate Klein (1-2, 3.63 ERA), who possesses the lowest earned run average among the Rainbow starters.

Casey Jones (3-0, 5.50 ERA) will start the series finale on Sunday. In Jones' last start, the 6-1, 200-pound right-hander pitched 7 1/3 innings, gave up seven hits, three runs (all earned), walked two and struck out five. Right-hander Jared Alexander (2-1, 6.82 ERA) will take the mound for Hawai'i. The senior last appeared in relief in game two of the Rainbows' doubleheader against the Aggies. He pitched 2 1/3 innings and allowed five hits. He also struck out two.

The series will open Thursday at 11:35 p.m. CST. Games two and three of the series are scheduled for 11:35 p.m. CST on Saturday and Sunday respectively. Both teams will wrap up the series on Sunday with the first pitch scheduled for 6:05 pm. CST.
Fans can tune into ESPN 97.7 FM to hear Dave Nitz call the play-by-play action of all four games as they happen. Nitz will begin the pregame show approximately 10 minutes prior to the first pitch of each game.
Hawai'i will video stream the entire series online at www.hawaiiathletics.com. The price per game is $6.28.
Live stats will be available all four games at the online home of Louisiana Tech athletics, www.latechsports.com.

Tech Talk summarizes split-series at Sacramento State

Five homeruns highlight Bulldogs series split
Kevin Sims
Issue date: 4/30/09 Section: Sports
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Page 1 of 1
Big hits and stingy pitching helped Tech rally back to split the four-game series against Sacramento State University in Sacramento, Calif., over the weekend.
With the split, Tech improved its conference record to 7-9 and moved to 22-18 on the season.

Tech 7, Sac 8
In the Friday series opener, Tech dropped a heartbreaker 8-7 after a seventh inning rally came up a little too short.

With one down, junior right fielder Devon Dageford hit a solo home run to left center to cut the Hornets' lead to two. Two batters later, freshman first basemen Alex Williams added another solo shot to bring Tech within one, but a strike out by senior catcher Matt Combs ended the inning with Tech still trailing.

Tech failed to get a hit for the remainder of the game. Junior starter Jamey Bradshaw had a less than stellar outing, giving up six earned runs in 2.1 innings. Dageford led the Bulldogs offensively, going 3-4 with two RBIs.

Tech 6, Sac 8
A pair of three-run homer runs by Sacramento proved too much for Tech to overcome in Saturday's outing as the Bulldogs fell 8-6 in game two.

Tech fought back in the fifth, scoring five runs on three hits including a grand slam by sophomore catcher Clint Ewing. Tech struck again in the top of the ninth when Dageford opened the inning with his second homer in two days, but a double play and a fielder's choice ended Tech's night.

Freshman starter Jeb Stefan gave up eight runs in 6.2 innings while Ewing led the Bulldog sluggers going 1-3 with four RBIs.

Tech 7 Sac 4
Tech ended its two-game skid with a 7-4 victory despite a dangerous eight inning.

After only giving up four runs in seven innings of work, senior starter Dylan Mosely gave up back-to-back-to-back singles to load the bases for the Hornets.

With only one down, head coach Wade Simoneaux turned to freshman pitcher Mike Jefferson to get out of the hole. Jefferson managed to strike out the next batter and ending the inning with no damage done when he got Sacramento's Tim Wheeler to fly out to right field.

Senior second baseman led the Bulldogs going 2-4 with two RBIs.

Tech 10, Sac 5
In the series finale, Tech left little doubt in its offensive abilities, smashing five home runs to close out the series, with a 10-5 win.

Tech managed six runs on four hits in the top of the seventh to pull the game out of reach. Kersten opened scoring with a home run to left center.

After a pair of hits and an error, senior left fielder Patrick Thomas capped Tech's scoring with a three-run blast, Tech's fifth on the day. Sophomore starter Casey Jones pitched 7.1 innings giving up three runs on seven hits. Kersten, Thomas, Dageford and Williams all went yard for the Bulldogs.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Louisiana Tech professor to discuss the struggle for the solar future Saturday afternoon at Nightbird Books on Dickson Street in Fayetteville

Please click on image to ENLARGE view of poster.

Solar Power Struggle
Professor Richard Hutchinson of Louisiana Tech University in Ruston will speak on "The Struggle for the Solar Future" at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, at Nightbird Books on Dickson Street in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
An inquiry into environmental change and the obstacles and opportunities in the path of the renewable energy transition.
Sponsored by OMNI Center for Peace, Justice, and Ecology.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs beat Sacramento State 10-5 to split four-game series in California

Jones and Tech Offense Earn Bulldogs a Series Split
Redshirt sophomore pitches over seven innings and Bulldog hitters smash five home runs in win
Chris Kersten went 3-for-5 at the plate with two home runs on Monday.
April 27, 2009
Box Score
SACRAMENTO -- Casey Jones' excellent outing on Monday afternoon was aided by five Bulldog home runs as Louisiana Tech (22-18, 7-9 WAC) earned a series split by defeating Sacramento State (23-19, 4-8 WAC) 10-5 at Hornet Field.
"Our offense gave Casey plenty of support and our defense played extremely well behind him," Tech head coach Wade Simoneaux said. "We pounded out 16 hits and did not commit an error on the day."
For the second time in the series, Louisiana Tech scored one run in the top of the first inning. Following a perfectly executed hit and run by Kevin Winn, Devon Dageford added his 55th RBI of the season after he hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Nick Grunenwald and give the Bulldogs an early lead.
Tech's lead did not last very long though as second baseman Hunter Martinez led off the bottom of the first with a solo home run to right-center field.
In the top of the fourth, Dageford broke the tie game after he hit his 19th home run of the season to start the inning. Chris Kersten then smashed his 15th home run of the year, a solo shot, to give the Bulldogs a 3-1 advantage.
Jones did not let the leadoff solo home run bother him as that was the only hit and run he allowed through four innings. In that span, he also walked two and struck out one.
Alex Williams gave Jones another insurance run in the sixth inning. With one out in the frame, the native of Vick, La. hit Tech's third solo home run of the day to give his team a 4-1 lead.
Jones eclipsed his previous career-high five innings pitched after he recorded two strikeouts and a fly out in the sixth inning. At the end of six, Jones allowed only three hits and one run.
 "Casey pitched outstanding," Simoneaux said. "He really stepped up for us when we needed him. He gave us a big pitching performance today."
Kersten hit his second home run of the day in the top of the seventh inning with two outs to increase Tech's advantage, 5-1. A fielding error by Martinez allowed Clint Ewing to score from second base. Kyle Roliard then ran out an RBI single to give Tech a 7-1 lead. Before Sacramento State reliever Nick Buchta could escape the inning, Patrick Thomas cracked a three-run home run.
After Jones forced a fly out in the bottom of the eighth, Hornet shortstop Josh Powers hit a wind-aided double down the left-field line just behind third base. Center fielder Tim Wheeler then hit an RBI double to give Sacramento State its second run. John Anderson relieved Jones in the inning and hit first baseman Jeff Roth to load the bases. A sacrifice fly by left fielder Adam Crouch minimized the Bulldogs lead, 10-3.
The Hornets scored two runs on two hits in the ninth inning, but reliever Mike Jefferson forced a game-ending double play, Tech's first double play of the series.
Jones improved to 3-0 on the year with the win. He pitched a total of 7 2/3 innings, allowed seven hits, three runs (all earned) and only two walks. He also added five strikeouts.
Kersten led his teammates with three hits, including two home runs, while Thomas led the team with three RBI.
Louisiana Tech out-hit Sacramento State 16-9.
Tech's back-to-back home runs in the fourth inning marked the third time the Bulldogs have hit back-to-back long balls this season.
The Bulldogs have now hit 78 home runs this year, second-most in Tech history. One hundred and two home runs were hit by Louisiana Tech in 1988.
Louisiana Tech 1st
Thomas, P. struck out swinging (1-2).
Grunenwald,N singled to left field (0-2).
Winn singled through the right side (3-2); Grunenwald,N advanced to third.
Dageford flied out to rf, SF, RBI (1-1); Grunenwald,N scored.
Kersten flied out to rf (3-2).
1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Sacramento State 1st
Martinez, H. homered to right center, RBI (1-0).
Powers, J. flied out to ss (3-2).
Wheeler, T. flied out to rf (0-0).
Crosby, B. fouled out to 3b (2-0).
1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 LOB.
Louisiana Tech 2nd
Ewing grounded out to 2b (0-0).
Threlkeld flied out to cf (0-1).
Williams flied out to lf (1-2).
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.
Sacramento State 2nd
Roth, J. grounded out to 3b (0-1).
Crouch, A. struck out swinging (1-2).
Lamb, J. grounded out to 3b (3-1).
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.
Louisiana Tech 3rd
Gordey to dh for Moseley.
Gordey flied out to cf (1-0).
Thomas, P. flied out to rf (2-0).
Grunenwald,N doubled to center field, ground-rule (0-0).
Winn grounded out to 2b (0-1).
0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Sacramento State 3rd
Hottman, B. walked (3-1).
Mezzaneras grounded out to c, SAC, bunt (0-0); Hottman, B. advanced to second.
Martinez, H. reached on a fielder's choice (0-1); Hottman, B. out at second p to 3b to ss.
Martinez, H. out at second c to 2b, caught stealing.
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.
Louisiana Tech 4th
Dageford homered to center field, RBI (0-0).
Kersten homered to left center, RBI (1-1).
Ewing singled to right field (0-0).
Threlkeld grounded into double play 1b to ss to 1b (0-1); Ewing out on the play.
Williams walked (3-1).
Buchta, N. to p for Taku, A..
Roliard pinch hit for Gordey.
Roliard struck out looking (0-2).
2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Sacramento State 4th
Powers, J. hit by pitch (2-0).
Wheeler, T. flied out to cf (2-1).
Crosby, B. flied out to rf (2-0).
Powers, J. advanced to second on a balk.
Roth, J. walked (3-2).
Crouch, A. popped up to ss (0-1).
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 2 LOB.
Louisiana Tech 5th
Thomas, P. singled up the middle (1-2).
Grunenwald,N grounded out to p, SAC, bunt (0-0); Thomas, P. advanced to second.
Winn reached on a fielding error by ss (3-2).
Dageford walked (3-2); Winn advanced to second; Thomas, P. advanced to third.
Kersten struck out looking (1-2).
Ewing fouled out to rf (1-1).
0 runs, 1 hit, 1 error, 3 LOB.
Sacramento State 5th
Lamb, J. grounded out to 3b (0-1).
Hottman, B. singled through the left side (1-2).
Mezzaneras struck out swinging (1-2).
Martinez, H. grounded out to 1b unassisted (0-0).
0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Louisiana Tech 6th
Threlkeld fouled out to rf (3-2).
Williams homered to right field, RBI (3-2).
Roliard to dh.
Roliard doubled to left center (1-0).
Thomas, P. fouled out to 3b (0-2).
Roliard advanced to third on a wild pitch.
Grunenwald,N flied out to rf (3-2).
1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Sacramento State 6th
Powers, J. struck out swinging (2-2).
Wheeler, T. flied out to cf (1-1).
Crosby, B. singled up the middle (1-1).
Roth, J. struck out swinging (3-2).
0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Louisiana Tech 7th
Winn flied out to lf (0-0).
Dageford struck out swinging (0-2).
Kersten homered to left center, RBI (0-0).
Ewing struck out swinging, reached first on a wild pitch (1-2).
Threlkeld singled to center field (1-0); Ewing advanced to second.
Williams reached on a fielding error by 2b (0-0); Threlkeld advanced to third; Ewing scored, unearned.
Williams stole second.
Roliard singled to shortstop, RBI (1-1); Williams advanced to third; Threlkeld scored, unearned.
Thomas, P. homered to center field, 3 RBI, unearned (2-0); Roliard scored, unearned; Williams scored, unearned.
Grunenwald,N grounded out to 1b unassisted (2-1).
6 runs, 4 hits, 1 error, 0 LOB.
Sacramento State 7th
Crouch, A. singled up the middle (2-0).
Lamb, J. struck out swinging (1-2).
Hottman, B. flied out to cf (2-0).
Otsuka, I. pinch hit for Mezzaneras.
Otsuka, I. singled (2-0); Crouch, A. out at second 2b unassisted.
0 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Louisiana Tech 8th
Otsuka, I. to rf.
Winn grounded out to ss (0-0).
Dageford singled up the middle (1-0).
Alexander pinch ran for Dageford.
Kersten singled to left field (0-0); Alexander advanced to second.
Ewing out at first 1b to p (1-2); Kersten advanced to second; Alexander advanced to third.
Hughes pinch hit for Threlkeld.
Hughes struck out looking (2-2).
0 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 2 LOB.
Sacramento State 8th
Alexander to rf.
Kersten to 3b.
Hughes to ss.
Martinez, H. flied out to cf (0-1).
Powers, J. doubled to left field (1-0).
Wheeler, T. doubled to right field, RBI (1-1); Powers, J. scored.
Crosby, B. hit by pitch (3-1).
Anderson to p for Jones, C..
Roth, J. hit by pitch (2-1); Crosby, B. advanced to second; Wheeler, T. advanced to third.
Crouch, A. flied out to cf, SF, RBI (1-1); Crosby, B. advanced to third; Wheeler, T. scored.
Espana, J. pinch hit for Lamb, J..
Espana, J. walked (3-2); Roth, J. advanced to second.
Hottman, B. fouled out to 1b (2-2).
2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 3 LOB.
Louisiana Tech 9th
Mire pinch hit for Williams.
Mire singled to left field (1-2).
Stubbs pinch hit for Roliard.
Stubbs struck out swinging (2-2).
Thomas, P. reached on a fielding error by lf (3-1); Mire advanced to second.
Grunenwald,N grounded out to 1b unassisted (2-2); Thomas, P. advanced to second; Mire advanced to third.
Winn flied out to lf (1-1).
0 runs, 1 hit, 1 error, 2 LOB.
Sacramento State 9th
Mire to 1b.
Meyers to p for Anderson.
Otsuka, I. hit by pitch (2-0).
Otsuka, I. advanced to second on a passed ball.
Martinez, H. walked (3-0).
Martinez, H. advanced to second on a wild pitch; Otsuka, I. advanced to third.
Powers, J. grounded out to 3b, RBI (1-1); Otsuka, I. scored.
Wheeler, T. singled to center field, RBI (0-0); Martinez, H. scored.
Crosby, B. singled to center field (1-0); Wheeler, T. advanced to second.
Jefferson to p for Meyers.
Roth, J. grounded into double play 3b to 1b (1-2); Wheeler, T. out on the play.
2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB.

 
Latech
 
Inn
 
SAC
 

 
 1
 2
 3
 4
 5
 6
 7
 8
 9
   R
 H
 E
Louisiana Tech
1
0
0
2
0
1
6
0
0
10
16
0
Sacramento State
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
2
5
9
3

10
 
Final
 
5
 
 
Last play: Roth, J. grounded into double play 3b to 1b (1-2); Wheeler, T. out on the play.

Casey Jones to start Monday game at Sacramento State after Tech wins 7-4 on Sunday

Jefferson Nails Down Win for Moseley and Bulldogs Sunday
The two pitchers allowed only four runs and one walk in the victory
Nick Grunenwald scored twice Sunday.
April 26, 2009
SACRAMENTO -- Mike Jefferson pitched the final 1.2 innings and helped preserve the win for starter Dylan Moseley and the Bulldogs as Louisiana Tech (21-18, 6-9 WAC) defeated Sacramento State (23-18, 4-7 WAC) 7-4 Sunday afternoon at Hornet Field.

"Mike was brought in during a tough situation and pitched very well," Tech head coach Wade Simoneaux said. "He was able to get out of a bases loaded jam, which was crucial late in the game."

With one out in the eighth inning, Sacramento State had the bases loaded after Brett Hottman, Justin Mezzaneras and Hunter Martinez recorded back-to-back-to-back singles off of Moseley. Following the last base hit, Jefferson was brought into the game. The redshirt freshman was able to strikeout pinch hitter Jose Espana for the second out. Before he could end the inning, he needed to retire one of Sacramento State's best hitters, center field Tim Wheeler. On a 1-2 count, Jefferson was able to get out of the inning by forcing Wheeler to fly out to right field.

Two Hornets were able to reach base in the ninth inning, but Jefferson struck out the final two batters to end the game.

Moseley pitched 7.1 quality innings in Sunday's win. Even though the Hornets totaled 12 hits, he allowed four runs (both earned) without a single walk. Moseley also struck out two.

"I thought Dylan stepped up and pitched like a veteran today," Simoneaux said. "He led our team today and that was what we needed him to do."

Sacramento State scored the first run of the day in the first inning on a double by shortstop Josh Powers. After Clint Ewing tied the game on a solo home run in the top of the second, Louisiana Tech added two more in the third.

The Bulldogs had base runners on first and second with two outs and Kevin Winn at the plate in the inning. Winn smashed a line drive to center field. Wheeler appeared to rob Winn and Tech of a three-run home run, but as he leaped to catch the ball, it popped out of his glove. Alex Williams and Nick Grunenwald scored on the play to give Tech a 3-1 lead.




A solo home run by Wheeler cut the Bulldogs' lead to one in the third inning, but Moseley regained his composure and held Sacramento State scoreless in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings.
Following a sacrifice fly by Williams in the fourth inning, Tech had the bases loaded for Devon Dageford in the fifth inning. Dageford added the Bulldogs' fifth run of the day as he hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Patrick Thomas from third base. Tech then added two more runs as Chris Kersten and Mark Threlkeld each contributed RBI singles in the inning.

Sacramento State was able to score two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning on a Powers two-run RBI double, but that was it.

"Our offense did enough today, even though it was not a typical offensive day for us," Simoneaux said. "We have a big game ahead of us tomorrow. We can distance ourselves and get within 2.5 games of the league leader."

Moseley's win was his fourth of the season and the 15th of his Tech career.

Jefferson's save was his first of his Tech career.

Winn and Kersten both collected two hits in the win. Winn also totaled two RBI.

Ewing's home run was the 73rd home run the Bulldogs have hit this season. Tech's 2009 home run total ties the team for the fourth-most home runs in school history.

The win over Sacramento State on the road was Tech's first conference win away from J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park this season.

Tech will look to split the series against the Hornets as the four-game set will conclude Monday with the first pitch scheduled for 4 p.m. CST.

Casey Jones (2-0, 5.97 ERA) will get the nod for the Bulldogs. Freshman left-hander Alex Taku (0-0, 1.74 ERA) will start for Sacramento State.

Dave Nitz will bring fans the play-by-play action on KPCH 99.3 FM. An audio feed will also be available online at www.thepeach993.com. The pregame show will begin at approximately 3:50 p.m. CST.

Live stats of the series finale can be viewed at www.hornetsports.com.

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Monday, April 20, 2009

Lousiana Tech takes four-game series from Fresno State's 2008 national-champion baseball team

Fresno State Bulldogs fall into WAC baseball cellar
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs sweep four-game series.

Sunday, Apr. 19, 2009
The Fresno Bee


If you hadn't been too concerned about the Fresno State baseball team's up-and-down play, now it's time to worry.
And worry a lot.
The defending national champions have looked like a complete mess on the road all season -- but not as bad as the Bulldogs looked this past weekend.

DARRELL WONG / THE FRESNO BEE
Fresno State's Holden Sprague and the Bulldogs have dropped to the bottom of the WAC baseball standings.

Fresno State was swept by Louisiana Tech in four games at J.C. Love Field in Ruston, La., and sent to the cellar of the Western Athletic Conference.
Fresno State lost 14-12 and 14-6 on Sunday to a Louisiana Tech team that, entering the series, was the last-place team in the WAC.
Not anymore.
Fresno State (18-20 overall, 2-6 WAC) fell 51/2 games behind first-place New Mexico State (32-8, 7-5), severely hindering the Bulldogs' run at a fourth straight WAC regular-season title.
And the gap could widen, with Fresno State dropping to 1-14 away from Beiden Field this season and five more road games (four WAC games) to go before returning home.
In Sunday's nightcap, Fresno State wasted Jake Johnson's grand slam and a five-run first inning as Louisiana Tech (18-16, 5-7) teed off on Fresno State's top pitcher, Holden Sprague, with five home runs. Sprague gave up eight hits, three walks and 10 runs (nine earned) in five innings.
Louisiana Tech amassed 14 hits and took advantage of four Fresno State errors, which turned into three unearned runs.
Louisiana Tech's Nick Grunewald went 2 for 3 with a homer, four RBIs and four runs.
Fresno State got little production after the first, held to four hits and one run the rest of the way. No Fresno State player notched multiple hits, blanked for five innings by Louisiana Tech reliever Mike Jefferson, who had an 8.80 ERA in 30 2/3 innings entering the contest. Jefferson relieved Louisiana Tech starter Casey Jones after Fresno State got to him for five runs in 1 1/3 innings.
Johnson was Fresno State's top hitter, going 1 for 4 with four RBIs thanks to his grand slam.
In the earlier game, Fresno State committed similar mistakes as poor starting pitching and a handful of Fresno State errors cost the California Bulldogs the game.
Starting pitcher Derek Benny was roughed up on three home runs and finished with 11 runs allowed (nine earned) on 13 hits.
Louisiana Tech amassed 17 hits, and Fresno State shortstop Danny Muno committed two errors.
Still, Fresno State had the lead heading into the bottom of the eighth after Johnson hit a two-run homer in the inning's top half to put Fresno State ahead 12-11.
But with the bullpen stretched thin over the weekend because of injuries and a lot of Louisiana Tech hits, Fresno State coach Mike Batesole turned to a position player on the mound.
Reserve infielder Ryan Allgrove gave up three runs off three hits and never logged an out as Louisiana Tech took a 14-12 lead.
Fresno State then went down in order in the ninth to seal Louisiana Tech's win.
Starting third baseman Tommy Mendonca, who set Fresno State's all-time home run record Saturday, hit his 45th career home run with a solo shot in the second inning. Mendonca did not homer in the nightcap.
Fresno State, which has lost eight of its past 10 games, continues its nine-game road trip Friday, opening a four-game series at San Jose State.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Casey Jones earns second 2009 win on April 15, as Louisiana Tech beats Northwestern State 15-3




Bulldogs Explode for 15 Runs in Win over Northwestern State
Matt Combs, Devon Dageford and Patrick Thomas each homer in the 15-3 win

Casey Jones earned the win after he allowed five hits and only one walk in five innings of work.


April 15, 2009

Box Score

RUSTON -- Louisiana Tech (14-16, 1-7 WAC) smashed seven extra base hits, including three home runs, as they scored in all but two innings in their 15-3 victory over Northwestern State (16-16, 10-7 SLC) Wednesday evening at J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park.
"Northwestern State walked eight tonight and we only walked two," Tech head coach Wade Simoneaux said. "That's big for us. I try to tell our players that hits do not beat us, walks and errors do. We played very good defense tonight and we swung the bat very well. It is good to be at home and have the opportunity to play in our ballpark in front of our fans."
Of the six innings the Bulldogs scored in they were able to manufacture three or more runs twice. After Tech took an early 1-0 lead on a Clint Ewing sacrifice fly to the shortstop, Tech hit for the cycle in the third inning. Matt Combs started the four-hit inning by cracking his fifth home run of the season, a solo shot. Kevin Winn added one more run on a RBI double before Devon Dageford hit a two-run triple to right-center field. Before the inning ended, Chris Kersten hit a sacrifice fly to give Tech a 6-0 advantage.
Both Thomas and Dageford hit two-run home runs in the fourth and fifth innings respectively.
Through the first five frames, Tech starter Casey Jones allowed five hits and only one walk. He was able to escape possible jams in the second and fourth innings as Northwestern State has at least two runners on base by inducing two inning-ending double plays.
 Jamelle Clements relieved Jones in the sixth inning. The first three Demon hitters recorded a hit and after the third hit by third baseman Joe Urtuzuastegui, they scored their first run of the game. With runners on first and second and one out, Clements was able to force Tech's third double play of the game.
With the Bulldogs leading 10-1 through six innings, Simoneaux and Co. increased their lead in the seventh inning. Ewing provided two more RBI by stroking a double. Jonathan Mire brought Ewing home on a RBI single. In all, eight Bulldogs batted in the inning.
The Demons were able to get two runs back in the eighth on a home run by first baseman Justin O'Neal and a RBI double by right fielder Tyler Baisley.
Tech answered one more time in the lower half of the inning. With one out, Kersten scored Clint Stubbs from second on an RBI double. Ewing then recorded his fourth RBI of the game after he grounded out to bring in Winn from third base.
Jones received the win and is now 2-0 on the season.
Dageford just missed the cycle as he went 3-for-3 at the plate with a triple, home run and single, in order. The native of Beatrice, Neb. and Ewing both led the Bulldogs with four RBI a piece. Dageford also contributed four runs scored on the night.
Graham Meyers and John Anderson pitched a scoreless seventh and ninth inning, respectively.
Tech will return to action Friday, April 17 at 6 p.m. as they will host the defending National Champions Fresno State in a four-game series.



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Friday, February 13, 2009

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Boyd Maher of Little Rock visits with Fayetteville friends outside city hall after city council meeting in Fayetteville, Arkansas

Please click on images to ENLARGE view of Boyd Maher, Aubrey Shepherd and Mark Kinion in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on September 17. 2008. Maher and Shepherd are graduates of Lousiana Tech and Kinion is a graduate of the Univerisity of Arkansas.