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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