Golden Eagles fall 6-2 to Austin Peay, face EKU in elimination game Saturday

Golden Eagles fall 6-2 to Austin Peay, face EKU in elimination game Saturday


By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information

JACKSON, Tenn. - The Austin Peay Governors (44-13) proved just why they have been ranked in several polls over the past weeks, defeating the Tennessee Tech baseball team (40-16) 6-2 in the third round of the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament Friday evening.

The Golden Eagles came out a little flat in the contest, walking three and hitting an additional batter in the first inning. The Governors took advantage of the situation, scoring twice in the first without recording a hit. APSU used an RBI ground out by Reed Harper and a bases-loaded walk issued by Tech starter Ross Spurgeon to jump out to a 2-0 lead.

Tech never could quite recover, allowing four more runs during the game, while scoring just two itself on seven hits.

Peay's Casey Delgado threw a strong 6.1 innings for the Governors, allowing just two earned runs while striking out six batters.

David Hess entered the game for the Golden Eagles in the top of the first and threw five innings of relief. The sophomore tossed 105 pitches, allowing four earned runs on seven hits while walking four and striking out four as well.

Senior reliever Zane Morton put together the his best outing of the year, saving the Tech bullpen by pitching the final 3.1 innings for the Golden Eagles. The submarine-style righty allowed just one hit while walking three and striking out two.

Both Zach Zarzour and Austin Wulf led the Tech scoring effort with an RBI apiece. Daniel Miles was the only batter from either team to record multiple hits, singling twice throughout the contest.

The Golden Eagles will look to keep their championship hopes alive when they take on No. 5 seed Eastern Kentucky in an elimination game on Saturday at noon. The winner will advance to take on Austin Peay in a 3:30 p.m. game. Tech took two-of-three from EKU on the road earlier this season.

Fans can watch the entire 2013 OVC Baseball Tournament live on the OVC Digital Network. There is no charge to watch the event and the games are available on any computer, tablet or smart phone.

Tickets for the event will be $10 per day or $28 for an all-session pass (up to 11 total games). There is also an $8 a day rate (or $25 for an all-tournament pass) for students/faculty of OVC-member schools (with valid ID) or for groups. All seats at the 6,000-seat park are general admission for the OVC Championship.

Fans can purchase tickets in person at the Jackson Generals box office or by calling (731) 988-5299 or going online here: https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2/team.asp?sponsorid=4577.