HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - A huge first inning set the tone for the Tennessee Tech baseball team (14-6, 5-1) Tuesday afternoon, as the Golden Eagles won their seventh consecutive game with an 8-6 victory over Alabama A&M (2-22, 0-5) in Huntsville.
The Golden Eagles tallied a six-run first inning in the contest, using a three-run home run from junior Zach Stephens to get on the board first. After loading the bases on a double, an error, and a walk, sophomore Dylan Bosheers cleared them, smacking a two-bagger while doubling the lead to 6-0 while continuing his recent hot streak.
The Bulldogs wouldn't go away, however, collecting five runs in the fourth inning to give the Golden Eagles a little run for their money. Ross Spurgeon entered the contest, throwing four innings of relief while allowing just three hits and one run in the eighth inning. He struck out the first three batters he faced, all on swinging strike threes.
In the fifth, the Tech bats provided a little insurance for Spurgeon and the rest of the pitching staff, putting up two runs off a Zach Zarzour sac fly and single by Austin Wulf. The lead would prove to be more than enough.
Closer Seth Lucio entered the contest in the top of the ninth looking for his second save in as many games. The sophomore did not disappoint, striking out two of the three batters he faced to earn his third save of the season and propel the Golden Eagles to their best start since 2000.
Garrett Baugh earned his third win of the season, improving to 3-1, the third pitcher on the Golden Eagle staff with three victories.
Brandon Thomasson extended his impressive hitting streak to 12 games on the year, doubling in the first inning and later scoring a run.
Tech will continue its quest for eight straight wins with a home contest against Berea College on Wednesday, March 20. The game is set for a 4:30 p.m. CDT first pitch at Bush Stadium at the Averitt Express Baseball Complex.
