THE RUNDOWN
The No. 20 DBU Patriots (29-13, 12-5 CUSA) fell to the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (26-16, 11-5 CUSA) 10-3 on Saturday afternoon at JC Love Field in Ruston, Louisiana to even the series at a game apiece. 
 
In the top of the first inning, Bulldogs left fielder Zeb Ruddell robbed Nathan Humphreys of an extra base hit with a leaping catch against the wall and was able to double off Keaton Grady at first base to keep the game scoreless. 
 
In the bottom of the first inning, Sebastian Mexico put the Bulldogs on the board first with a lead off home run to right field. The Patriots then threatened to put together a two out rally in the second as Michael Dattalo singled, and Ben Tryon walked to put two runners on base. However, Bulldogs starter Brooks Roberson was able to strike out Adam Berghult to end the threat. 
 
In the top of the fourth, Jake Bennett reached on a fielder's choice and Dattalo doubled to left field to put runners on second and third with two outs. Ben Tryon then delivered two RBI single to score Bennett and Dattalo and give the Patriots a 2-1 lead. 
 
In the bottom of the fourth, Louisiana Tech put together a two out rally of their own off of DBU starter James Ellwanger. After Colton Coates walked and Cade Patterson singled, Garrison Berkley singled to drive in Coates and tie the game at two. Matt Houston then hit a screaming line drive to shortstop to score Patterson and give the Bulldogs the lead at 3-2. Will Safford then singled through the right side scoring Berkley to extend the lead to 4-2. Mexico then singled to right field, but a strong throw from Joey Nerat gunned down Houston at home plate to end the inning. 
 
In the top of the fifth, after Nerat reached base on a walk and stole second base, Grant Jay singled through the right side, scoring Nerat and cutting the deficit to 4-3. In the bottom of the inning, after the Bulldogs loaded the bases with nobody out, Coates drew a bases loaded walk to extend the lead to 5-3. Mason Swinney then came on in relief for the Patriots and retired the next three hitters with two strike outs and a pop out to escape the jam. 
 
In the bottom of the sixth, the Bulldogs were able to add on to their lead. After the first two hitters reached base, Michael Ballard extended the lead to 6-3 on an RBI single that scored Safford. Trey Hawsey then stepped up to the plate and launched a three-run home run to right to give the Bulldogs a 9-3 lead. Patterson then hit a solo home run of his own to extend the lead to 10-3. 
 
Louisiana Tech reliever Luke Nichols was dominant on the mound, recording three and two thirds scoreless innings out of the bullpen to close out the victory for the Bulldogs. 
 
THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Michael Dattalo recorded his 16th multi-hit game of the season. 
- Grant Jay extended his streak of reaching base safely to a career high 44 consecutive games dating back to June 1, 2024. 
- The Patriots are 2-0 this season in series clinching games. 
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
30 - Thirty runs have scored in the series with two outs in an inning. 
44 - Forty-four runs have been scored between the two teams in this series. 
7 - Keaton Grady extending his hitting streak to a career high seven games. 
 
UP NEXT
The Patriots conclude the series with the rubber match on Sunday afternoon against the Bulldogs at JC Love Field. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.