Louisiana Tech softball defeated Sam Houston 6-3 on April 19 to avoid a series sweep at Dr. Billy Bundrick Field. The win brought LA Tech’s record to an even 23-23 overall and 9-12 in Conference USA.
The result was significant for LA Tech, helping the team regain momentum after earlier losses in the series. The Bulldogs collected eight hits, six of which went for extra bases, including four doubles, a triple, and a home run. Jina Baffuto and Alannah Rogers each recorded two hits, while Baffuto and Bradi Gallaway led with three runs batted in apiece.
Ruby Fidge earned her third win of the season by pitching three innings in relief, allowing one run on three hits. Allie Floyd started the game with three innings pitched and allowed one run on one hit. Bryannah Campos closed out the game by pitching the final inning.
Sam Houston took an early lead with a solo home run from Veronica Harrison in the first inning, but LA Tech responded quickly and did not trail again for the rest of the game. Key moments included Gallaway’s home run in the fourth inning that helped extend LA Tech’s lead to 4-1.
Head coach Josh Taylor said after the game: “I saw just that [Timely hitting, great defense and great pitching]. I saw extra base hits as well. Jina [Baffuto] having two doubles…Bradi’s [Gallaway] home run separates us there in the fourth inning and those are big moments… I thought Ruby Fidge was incredible today… Proud of our offense… It’s nice to win on a Sunday, and I’m proud of our team and how they continue to fight… they’re going to continue to do that the rest of the season, and we’ll see how it goes.”
The victory also marked several milestones: Josh Taylor improved his record as head coach at LA Tech to 158-114; Gracie Flores extended her hitting streak to twelve games; Bradi Gallaway set a new single-season home run record for an LA Tech freshman with her eleventh homer; Alannah Rogers reached her hundredth career hit; Baffuto achieved her third multi-RBI game this season; Fidge secured her third win as pitcher.
Looking ahead, Louisiana Tech will travel next weekend for a three-game Conference USA series against Liberty beginning Friday.
