Monarchs Come Back, But Fall Late to Louisiana Tech, 10-5

NORFOLK, Va. – Louisiana Tech jumped out to an early 4-0 lead, Old Dominion followed with a five-run sixth inning highlighted by a Brock Gagliardi grand slam, but the Bulldogs scored six runs in the eighth to defeat the baseball Monarchs 10-5 Saturday afternoon at the Bud Metheny Ballpark.
 
Trailing 4-0 entering the sixth inning, Robbie Petracci led off the inning with a walk, and after a pop out, Matt Coutney singled and Andy Garriola followed with a single up the middle to load the bases for Brock Gagliardi. On a 1-2 count, Gagliardi blasted a grand slam over the right field fence to tie the score at four. New pitcher Ryan Harland got Thomas Wheeler to line out but Kenny Levari hammered a home run to right field to give the Monarchs a 5-4 lead.
 
On in relief of Nick Pantos, Jacob Gomez pitched 3.2 innings, allowing two hits with four strikeouts and a walk. He gave way to closer Noah Dean who ran into trouble in the eighth. Jacob McLeod was hit by a pitch and after a strikeout, Thaxton Berch walked on four pitches. Taylor Young followed with a double to put Louisiana Tech back on top, 6-5. Dean walked Phillip Matulia and was replaced by Brad Dobzanski. Dobzanski induced a fielder's choice ground out by Steele Netterville but Cole McConnell delivered a two-run double and Jorge Corona followed with a two-run homer to put LA Tech on top 10-5.
 
Pantos got the start for ODU and battled through 3.1 innings, allowing seven hits, four runs, three in the first inning, three strikeouts and two walks.
 
Gagliardi led the Monarchs at the plate with a 2-for-4 day with four RBIs, while Garriola finished 2-for-5.
 
The two teams complete the three-game series tomorrow at noon.