By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information Coordinator
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – On a day that was dominated by pitching, the Tennessee Tech baseball team still managed to create enough offense to collect its 13th win of the season Saturday afternoon, defeating Eastern Kentucky, 4-0.
The Golden Eagles clinched their fourth series of the season with the victory, as well as their first in Ohio Valley Conference play. It also marked the first shutout of the season for the Tech squad as freshman Evan Fraliex and junior Seth Lucio combined to blank the Colonel bats.
Making his first career weekend start, Fraliex consistently kept the Colonel hitters on their toes, scattering four hits across eight innings. He allowed just two walks on the day while striking out three and not allowing a runner to advance past first base.
The Tech defense once again played a huge role in the contest, turning two more double plays just a day after turning four against the Colonels.
EKU pitcher Tanner Perkins put up a solid showing, holding Tech to five hits in his seven innings on the mound, but senior slugger Zach Stephens and junior shortstop Dylan Bosheers both did just enough with the bats to lead the Golden Eagles to victory.
In the bottom of the first, Jordan Hopkins patiently drew a seven-pitch walk with one out. Stephens immediately took the next pitch into another area code, crushing a two-run shot over the left field wall to give the Golden Eagles an early 2-0 advantage.
Tech struck again in the fourth, using a double down the left line by right fielder Brandon Thomasson to put a runner in scoring position. Jake Rowland took the next pitch through the left side, plating Thomasson and extending the Tech lead to 3-0.
The Golden Eagles added one final insurance run in the bottom of the seventh. Bosheers took the first pitch he saw to deep right field, hammering his first long ball of the year to give the Golden Eagles a winning score of 4-0. He also extended his hitting streak to 12 games with the home run.
Junior closer Seth Lucio came on for the final inning of the contest, throwing just 10 pitches while setting down the Colonels in order, 1-2-3.
The Tech squad will go for the series sweep on Sunday when junior John Gora takes the bump in the 1 p.m. CT affair.
