RUSTON, La. — Kevin Markham homered in the sixth to break open a scoreless contest and Brock Hartson handled the rest, as UTSA blanked Louisiana Tech by a score of 2-0 on Friday night at J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park.
The pitchers duel lasted five innings before Markham blasted a two-run homer. Matt Hilston led off the inning on a throwing error by Louisiana Tech’s second baseman and Markham blasted his fifth long ball of the season.
Hartson hurled his third complete game of the year, scattering four hits to go along with four strikeouts. The right-hander did not issue a walk in helping the Roadrunners (28-18, 13-9 C-USA) post their fifth shutout of the season.
Louisiana Tech (21-22, 5-16 C-USA) had a chance to score first in the fourth when Bre’shon Kimbell tripled to center, but he was stranded when Taylor Nichols struck out to end the frame.
Phil Maton was charged with the loss in 8.2 innings of work. The right-hander allowed two runs on seven hits and matched a season-best of 12 strikeouts.
John Bormann and Geonte Jackson each had two hits for UTSA.
The series will continue at 3 p.m. on Saturday.