Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications
Louisiana Tech softball improved to 5-0 on Wednesday evening, defeating No. 25 Southeastern 6-1 at North Oak Park.
Coming off an undefeated weekend, Tech carried its momentum into its first of six games this week, knocking off a ranked Southeastern team that earned its first-ever program ranking Tuesday. The Bulldogs used a complete game performance from Allie Floyd in the circle, a career day from Jina Baffuto at the plate and a solid defensive effort to best the Lions.
“Complete team win,” said head coach Josh Taylor. “Pitching, defense and timely hitting is always a winning formula. Floyd was in command the entire game, our defense made plays when they needed to. Baffuto came up big for us with a two run home run, and we had contributions from everyone on the roster. Great team win!”
Floyd went the distance (7.0 innings) to earn her first win of the season, allowing one run on five hits with one walk and five strikeouts. Baffuto and Allie Furr led the Bulldogs with two hits apiece, while Baffuto drove in a game and career-high three runs.
LA Tech jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning as Baffuto placed a bloop single in shallow right-center, driving in Torres who got on after getting hit. A Bradi Gallaway walk and Brooks single would allow Torres to reach scoring position.
The Bulldogs increased their lead to three in the top of the fourth after adding runs on a throwing error and a Flores RBI fielder’s choice. Gallaway singled to start the frame and Brooks reached third to start the frame and would both come around to score.
SLU scored its lone run in the bottom of the fourth on an RBI groundout that was setup by a double and a wild pitch.
A three-run sixth made it 6-1 in favor of LA Tech, highlighted by a a two-run home run from Baffuto — the first of her collegiate career — that drove in Rosalie Dufresne, who was hit by a pitch. The Bulldogs added their final run on a Reagan Marchant single up the middle that plated Elena Heng who reached on a fielder’s choice.
Floyd worked around an early walk in the seventh to pick up the final three outs and secure the top 25 complete game victory in the circle, her third over a Top 25 team in her career.
Tech improved to 52-18 all-time against Southestern.
Tech will compete in the Mardi Gras Mambo this weekend in Youngsville, including a pair of games Friday against New Mexico and Eastern Illinois.
