RUSTON, La. (March 8, 2013) – Phil Maton struck out eight and the Bulldog pitching staff posted a complete game shutout as Louisiana Tech took the first game of the series versus Nebraska, 5-0, Friday night at J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park in Ruston.

LA Tech (4-10) exploded for four runs in the third inning after Taylor Terrasas ripped a ball down the left field line with the bases loaded to put the Bulldogs ahead 4-0 over Nebraska (4-8). Tech added the first run of the inning when starter Ryan Hander walked Ryan Gebhardt with the bases loaded.

“Phil (Maton) is a warrior, and he is going to give us a good outing and 100 percent every time he is out there,” head coach Wade Simoneaux. “(Taylor) Terrasas did what we have been needing all year. We have been hitting balls right at people and not getting the job done, and a senior stepped up. That was huge for this team and that was a big hit for us.”

Maton (3-0) earned his third win of the season after allowing four hits and no runs in seven complete innings of work. The sophomore right hander struck out eight batters to bring his season total to 31 strikeouts. Maton has now pitched 24 consecutive innings this season without giving up a run, a streak that dates back to his first start of 2013 at UT Arlington.

Hander (0-2) was charged with the loss after allowing five runs – all earned – on seven hits and walking two batters. Hander settled down after a rocky third inning to strike out six Bulldog hitters in the loss.

The series against the Cornhuskers continues tomorrow in a double header beginning at 1 p.m. at J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park in Ruston.