By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The sweep was not in cards for the Tennessee Tech baseball team (12-18, 6-9) Saturday afternoon, as Eastern Illinois (1-23, 1-11) salvaged a win in the series after erupting offensively for 14 runs in the series finale.
After winning each of the first two games of the Ohio Valley Conference set, the Golden Eagles took the diamond with their sights set on their first three-game sweep of the season, but the Panthers just wouldn't allow that to happen.
The visitors jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, plating four runs in the top of the first inning and taking a 6-0 lead before the first Golden Eagle base runner crossed the plate. Eastern Illinois tallied multiple runs in the fifth, seventh and eighth innings as well, eventually pulling out the 14-2 victory.
The Tech squad received RBI from two senior veterans on the day, with catcher Jordan Hopkins plating David Allen in the bottom of the fourth on a single through the left side. Allen drove in the other Golden Eagle run, ripping a single to center field to plate Anthony El Chibani. Hopkins finished the day 2-for-4 at the dish.
Matt Wivinis picked up his first victory of the season with a strong performance on the day, tossing seven and two thirds innings without allowing an earned run. He scattered seven hits and walked just one batter while fanning four.
The Golden Eagles will now get ready for a five-game road stretch, beginning with a match-up at in-state rival Middle Tennessee Tuesday evening. Tech will travel to Murfreesboro on Apr. 7 for a 6 p.m. tilt with the Blue Raiders before returning to league action.
Photo by Tony Marable
