Diamond Dogs Ranked for the First Time Since 1986

After what has been an absolutely scorching start to 2017, the Louisiana Tech Diamond Dogs now find themselves ranked 24th in the USA Today Coaches Poll (7th in RPI) for the first time in over thirty years. What’s more — each of Tech’s eleven wins in their first twelve games has come in exciting fashion. There have been blowouts, comebacks, close wins, and dramatic wins, but this team continues to glow with confidence, and has proven that they can remain focused regardless of what dictation the scoreboard gives them.

Senior left-fielder Raphael Gladu has certainly contributed to some of that confidence, with two 8th inning go-ahead home runs in victories over UALR and Wichita State respectively, as well as being the major catalyst for a Louisiana Tech outfield that’s produced multiple run-saving plays so far this season. The Dogs have also relied heavily on their pitching staff, getting big-time outings out of both young and veteran pitchers alike. Senior Nate Harris continues to shut down the back end of games with authority, and has consistently led the guys in the third base dugout into the ninth inning with incredible assurance.

Coming off a regional appearance in 2016, many wondered if the ‘Dogs could repeat that same success. That question has been answered and then some early on, and the nation is taking note that these ‘Dogs may in fact be better than the ones who made a splash last season. In fitting fashion, the Diamond Dogs travel back to Starkville Tuesday night to face the team that ended their 2016 campaign in Mississippi State (6:30 CT, SEC/ESPN3). Follow @BleedTechBlue on Twitter and Facebook for all of your Louisiana Tech sports updates.