Big Fifth Inning Propels Baylor SB to 8-1 Win at No. 13 Louisiana

[Pirtle, Krista]

BAYLOR ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS – March 4, 2021

Big Fifth Inning Propels SB to 8-1 Win at No. 13 Louisiana
Nicky Dawson had a career night at the plate while Gia Rodoni dominated in the circle
Media link: http://baylorbea.rs/BaylorSoftball
For more information contact: Krista Pirtle, 254-447-8610, Krista_Pirtle at baylor.edu<mailto:Krista_Pirtle at baylor.edu>

THE RUNDOWN
LAFAYETTE, La. – Behind a six-run fifth inning and a dominant complete-game performance by sixth-year senior pitcher Gia Rodoni, Baylor handed 13th-ranked Louisiana its worst home loss in three years as the Lady Bears topped the Ragin’ Cajuns, 8-1, Thursday night at Lamson Park.

Nicky Dawson got things started as she beat out the throw at first to lead things off with a bunt single. After stealing second and advancing to third on a bunt single by Lou Gilbert, Dawson scored when Goose McGlaun grounded out to the pitcher to give Baylor the one-run lead.

After Louisiana tied things up in the bottom of the frame, the Lady Bears answered right back in the top of the second. Emily Hott started things off with an infield single and later scored when Dawson singled down the right field line.

The score remained 2-1 in favor of BU until the Lady Bears busted things open in the fifth inning when they plated six runs off six hits in the frame.

Dawson led off with a single up the middle, her third hit of the night, and scored soon after when Gilbert doubled to deep left field. Goose McGlaun followed with a double of her own, this one smashed off the left field wall, to score Gilbert.

McGlaun came home off a wild pitch before Taylor Ellis knocked in a pair with a double down the left field line. She came home a batter later when Zadie LaValley singled up the middle.

Baylor scored three of its runs in the fifth inning before the Ragin’ Cajuns recorded an out.

After that, the defense went to work as the Lady Bears retired Louisiana in order the rest of the way – nine up, nine down.

Gia Rodoni pitched the complete game for BU, the first of the season for her. She gave up one run off six hits with four strikeouts and a walk.

HIGHLIGHTS

  *   Goose McGlaun finished with a pair of doubles, giving her 32 for her career. That moves her to 10th all-time in program history.
  *   Nicky Dawson tied her career high with four hits on the night. The last time she recorded four hits in one game was at Liberty on March 10, 2018.
  *   No team has scored eight runs against Louisiana this season.
  *   Thursday night marked the worse loss by the Ragin’ Cajuns at home since falling 9-0 in six innings to then-No. 2 Florida on Feb. 17, 2018.
  *   Four different Lady Bears finished with multiple hits on the night: Dawson (4), Lou Gilbert (3), McGlaun (2) and Zadie LaValley (2).

STAT OF THE DAY
4 – Number of hits by Louisiana native, Nicky Dawson, who finished 4-for-5 at the plate with two runs scored and an RBI.

TOP QUOTES
Baylor head coach Glenn Moore on the win…
“Tonight we got a glimpse of how good we can be. After the first inning, Gia Rodoni could have beaten anyone.  Our offense had a great balance of pressure and power.  This was a good win!”

UP NEXT
The Lady Bears head north to Ruston, La., to take part in the Louisiana Tech Invitational. Baylor will face the Lady Techsters and Tarleton State twice over the weekend.


www.BaylorBears.com

Krista Pirtle | Associate Director of Athletics Communications
Department of Athletics | Baylor University
O: 254-710-3065 | C: 254-447-8610

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