Diamond Dogs Head to ODU
Louisiana Tech (21-12, 4-8) will head to Norfolk, Virginia this Easter weekend to take on a quality Old Dominion (25-9, 9-3) squad. The Monarchs are off to an outstanding start in Conference USA play, trailing conference leader Southern Miss by just one game. This weekend will be a huge test for the battle tested Bulldogs.
Offensively ODU is lead by stud shortstop Zach Rutherford. Rutherford, one of the best pro prospects in the conference is hitting .338 with two home runs and 29 RBI on the year. Rutherford has also played outstanding defense throughout the year only committing two errors. Old Dominion possesses one of the best offenses in the league so it will be essential for the Tech pitching staff to limit the free passes in order to slow down the high powered Monarchs.
When the Monarchs toe the rubber it can be a struggle at times. In two matchups with Kentucky and Virginia, two ranked opponents, they have given up a whopping 37 combined runs. With a 4.67 team era their pitching staff will not be feared, but on Friday nights Adam Bainbridge anchors the staff. Bainbridge has been exceptional this year with a 1.14 era that has led to a 6-1 record. Tech will need to continue grinding out at bats as they have done all year in order to see success this weekend.
At Rice last weekend, the Tech pitching staff really seemed to take a step forward. Casey Sutton, Cameron Linck, and Nate Harris all turned in phenomenal starts. Sutton picked up the win Friday night, Linck got a no-decision Saturday, and Harris capped off the series with a three hit shutout. The staff will look to continue attacking the strike zone throughout the series with the Monarchs.
Offensively the ‘Dogs continue to be led by catcher Brent Diaz. Diaz leads the Bulldogs with 21 extra base hits to go along with 28 RBI. A highly touted high school recruit out of Miami, FL, Diaz has had a true breakout season here in 2017. Facing a suspect pitching staff this weekend could lead to some big offensive numbers for the ‘Dogs.
Just two games out of fourth place in the Conference USA standings, the ‘Dogs will look to continue their climb back towards the top of the conference. For a more exclusive breakdown of the series, be sure to join us at BleedTechBlue.com.