JACKSONVILLE – Jax State dropped Saturday's softball contest versus Louisiana Tech, 4-2, lining up the Gamecocks' fourth-straight weekend with a game three rubber match.
 
A pitcher's battle into the fifth, Jax State (18-23, 7-7 CUSA) and LA Tech (25-12, 8-6 CUSA) were all even at 1-1 when the Bulldogs took control with a 3-run homer off the bat of Kylie Neel. Currie struck out five batters in a strong start before one swing of the bat turned the game in the fifth inning.
 
A leadoff walk advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt. The Bulldogs attempted another bunt that got the go-ahead runner to third, but the batter was initially called out at first after Ashley Phillips' quick snag and throw over to Lindsey Richardson. Upon review, the LA Tech was ruled safe, taking an out off the board. Currie forced a pop up to shortstop for that second out, but Neel connected for her big hit next to make it a 4-1 difference.
 
The Gamecocks got one run back in the home half of the inning when Linley Tubbs eventually scored on Ella Pate's groundout. Freshman Mackinley Portillo tossed the final two frames for Jax State. She allowed just two hits and zero runs to the 10 Bulldogs she faced.
 
In the bottom of the seventh, Jax State looked ready to rally following a leadoff hit from Tubbs to bring the tying run to the plate in Makalyn Kyser. Kyser followed with a drive deep to center that was high enough to clear the fence for a home run until Tech's Alexis Gilio brought the ball back into the yard with a home run-robbing catch. LA Tech then shut the door with a double-play ball to secure game two of the series and force a Sunday rubber match at Jana McGinnis Field.
 
Sunday's series finale is set for 1:00.