By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – An early 3-0 lead just wasn't enough for the Tennessee Tech baseball team Sunday afternoon, as the visiting SIUE Cougars (8-10, 8-1) rallied to defeat the Golden Eagles (10-11, 4-5) 7-3 and win the Ohio Valley Conference series fought between the two league foes.

Tech jumped out to a quick 2-0 advantage in the bottom of the first, using an two-run home run from freshman Chase Chambers to do the damage. The first baseman crushed a shot off the softball press box located behind the scoreboard in left field, his third long ball of the season.

One inning later, the Golden Eagles struck again, collecting a run off an RBI single through the right side by junior Jake Farr.

But that was all the Tech offense could muster after SIUE starter Mike Miller was replaced with reliever Ryan Agnitsch. The right-handed hurler tossed four and one third scoreless innings for the Cougars, scattering five hits and two walks while striking out two.

SIUE chipped away at the lead, collecting single runs in the third and fourth inning before striking for three more in the top of the sixth to take the lead for the good. The Cougars added insurance runs in the seventh and ninth as well, leading to their 7-3 victory and eighth OVC win of the season.

Zach Malach closed things out for the Cougars, covering the final three frames for the team from up north. He scattered three hits while striking out three to pick up his third save of the season.

As for the Golden Eagles, freshman starter Travis Moths took the loss despite giving up just three earned runs and a total of four runs in five and third innings of work.

Four Tech batters managed multi-hit days, including Chambers, Farr, senior David Allen and sophomore Anthony El Chibani.

The Golden Eagles will return to action on Tuesday with a trip to North Carolina to take on UNC Asheville in a 4 p.m. CT affair.

Photo by Tony Marable