The Louisiana Tech baseball team represents the University of Louisiana Tech in NCAA Division I college baseball. The team competes in Conference USA and plays home games at J. C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park. Coach Mike Burroughs has guided the Bulldogs to their best record in 25 years, with two straight seasons of at least 35 wins. Despite this impressive record, the team has had some off days, most recently being forced to move a game against LSU to Wednesday due to severe weather forecasts.
Burroughs led LA Tech to its First Back-to-Back 35+ win Seasons in More than 25 Years
The Bulldogs are heading to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1992 and earned the No. 16 overall seed. The program has won 35+ games for the ninth time in program history. The Bulldogs finished the season with a 39-20 record, finishing second in the Conference USA Tournament. They were picked to finish seventh in the preseason poll, but they finished second and won 18 of their last 19 true road games.
Despite the new faces on the roster, Burroughs’ offensive production was off the charts. He finished the regular season second on the team in batting average, OBP, runs scored, hits, RBI, doubles and triples. This was the first time Tech has had back-to-back 35-plus win seasons since 1982. Tech also had its longest home winning streak ever and set a record for season ticket holders.
After serving as an assistant coach at Northwestern State for four seasons, Burroughs took the head coaching job at LA Tech. There, Burroughs had to rebuild an historic baseball program. Despite the challenges that faced Northwestern State, Burroughs guided the Demons to their first back-to-back 35+ win seasons in more than 25 years. In the process, they tied the school record for the largest increase in total wins from the previous season.
In 1990, the Bulldogs hosted the No. 2 LSU team in the Independence Bowl. The team had a late third-quarter deficit, but scored 17 unanswered points to win the game. A 16-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Gene Johnson to Bobby Slaughter with two minutes remaining sealed the victory. On the final possession, the Tech defense held Northern Illinois to a four-and-out, and the fans erupted in celebration.
After the 1978 season, Williams stepped down from his role as Louisiana Tech head coach. He had a 6-4-1 record in his last season, and he was not replaced. Despite his success, Williams’ tenure as head coach was brief. It was Williams’ first 35+ win season in 25 years, and Burroughs took over the reigns after Williams.
After Burroughs’ arrival, Louisiana Tech football has a lot to look forward to. This team has a rich tradition of winning. The Bulldogs have won six of their last eight home games. The team is also on track to host the Conference USA Championship in 2023. It is one of the most successful programs in school history. Its history has spanned over a hundred years.
Ivan Melendez Leads the Nation in Home Runs (29)
Ivan Melendez is the fourth Texas Longhorn in history to lead the nation in home runs. The sophomore has hit 29 home runs, leads the nation in slugging percentage (.903), leads the nation in total bases (196), and leads the conference in total RBI (86). He has also become Texas Baseball’s home run king, surpassing Kyle Russell’s record of 28 home runs from 2007.
The work ethic that fueled Melendez’s success has continued to grow throughout his career. He has made sure to put in long hours at his training facility in Austin and hone his defensive skills at first base. His glovework is legendary, and he has committed just one error all season. He has consistently gotten the ball in the air for home runs. This has helped him lead the nation in home runs.
In April 2021, Melendez hit eight home runs and had 27 RBI, and scored 16 runs. He helped the Longhorns win 17 of 19 games, and lost only to the No. 11 Texas Tech and No. 24 Oklahoma State. Melendez also set a program record with a six-game home run streak. His performance earned him NCBWA Hitter of the Week honors and First Team All-Big-12 Designated Hitter accolades.
Texas first baseman Ivan Melendez led the nation in home runs for the 2018 season. He won the 2022 Golden Spikes Award after surpassing Kris Bryant, who held the previous record. His 29 home runs this season lead the nation in home runs and RBIs. He also broke the Texas record for home runs in a season. At the Big 12 Baseball Championship, Melendez blasted a game-winning home run and set a school record.
After graduating from college, Melendez decided to take a look at the professional game. He was selected by the Miami Marlins in the 2021 MLB Draft, where he ranked 479th overall. However, he announced his decision to return to Texas for the 2022 season, giving him an extra year of development. His family stressed that he should focus on his academics. The aforementioned accolades have earned him an impressive resume.
As a freshman, Melendez led the Big 12 in home runs, RBIs, and on-base percentage. He also led the nation in home runs, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage, while playing well at first base. The home runs and RBI totals have made him the Big 12 Player of the Year. He is on pace to win the Big 12 Triple Crown.
A few years ago, Texas Tech was the favorite to win the College World Series. The Red Raiders had been to the College World Series four of the previous six years. The school was a popular choice for Melendez and he visited the campus ballpark during an official visit. He knew he would put up big stats there. He even topped his high school record in slugging percentage (.959).
LSU-LA Tech Game Moved to Wednesday Due to Forecast of Severe Weather
The LSU-Louisiana Tech baseball game scheduled for Tuesday night has been postponed to Wednesday due to a forecast of severe weather in Baton Rouge. Due to the forecast of severe weather, the schools are working to schedule a make-up date for the game. In the meantime, fans can tune into KNBB 97.7 FM to hear live audio of the game and stream it on SEC Network+. You can also follow LA Tech baseball on Twitter and Instagram.
The LSU-LA Tech baseball game was originally scheduled to be played on Monday, but was postponed due to forecast of severe weather. The rain delayed the game until Wednesday evening. LSU won the game 6-3, scoring five runs in the first two innings. Pitcher Austin Bain earned his first win of the season with a strong performance. He allowed just one hit and one run over three innings. Louisiana Tech added a final run in the seventh inning.
The next LSU-LA Tech game will be played against No. 13 Florida. This game will be played in Fayetteville and will be televised on SEC Network+. Despite the weather, the Tech Tigers will still have a chance to win the series. In addition to the scheduled game against LSU, the team also has a home game against Missouri.
Despite the postponement, the LSU-LA Tech baseball game is expected to start on Tuesday. However, the startling pitchers of both teams will have to be more effective. After all, the starting rotation is unproven, and the bullpen, which has given up four earned runs in three innings on Friday, gave up three runs on Saturday, and allowed one run in five innings Sunday.
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