LOUISIANA La. — The Texas Tech Red Raiders are making their first softball visit here this weekend, and sophomore pitcher Erin Crawford picked the occasion to impress.

Crawford battled Louisiana's junior All-American Brooke Mitchell on even terms in a stirring pitching duel on Friday’s first day of the Mardi Gras Classic at Ragin’ Cajun Softball Park.

Mitchell made it seven of eight starts this year with double-digit strikeouts, and six straight, in answer to the challenge.

The two hurlers went seven innings with a 1-1 score before Mitchell and the No. 9-ranked Cajuns prevailed 7-1 in eight.

The tight contest was finally broken open by a grand slam home run by sophomore Danyele Gomez off reliever Julie Hauck, and freshman Holly Tankersley followed with a solo blast.

The Red Raiders scored in the third inning as Heather Parker dropped a leadoff bunt single and stole second base. When No. 9 hitter Natalie Kula laid down another bunt, UL freshman Lacey Bertucci threw wildly to first to send Parker home.

UL left the bases loaded in the fourth inning, but drew even with a tally in the sixth.

Tankersley drew a leadoff walk, then broke up a double-play chance as Brittany Bryant was safe on a fielder’s choice. Joy Webre’s double to right field then put runners on second and third with one away.


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Bruce Brown
bbrown@theadvertiser.com