By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – For seven innings, it was all a pitcher's duel between the Tennessee Tech and Belmont baseball teams Saturday evening, but big eighth and ninth frames from the visiting bats evened the series as the Bruins captured game two, 13-1.

The Golden Eagles (23-24, 14-12) received a strong performance from sophomore hurler Evan Fraliex on the night, as the right-hander covered the first seven and one thirds innings on the bump, scattering six hits and allowing just three earned runs. With his exit in the eighth, however, the Bruins (26-23, 14-11) quickly proved just how much its potent offense was capable of.

The visitors scored four runs in the top of the eighth inning, pushing its 2-1 advantage to 6-1 with just nine outs left. Belmont then put the game out of reach in the top of the ninth, scoring seven more runs to finish the contest with 13 overall.

The Bruins saw a complete-game performance from starter Aaron Quillen, who allowed one earned run on six hits.

All-American shortstop Dylan Bosheers led the Golden Eagle offense on the night, going 2-for-4 with the lone Golden Eagle RBI. Second baseman Jake Farr also collected two hits in four at bats while sophomore outfielder Anthony El Chibani scored Tech's run after going 1-for-3.

Belmont third baseman Matt Beaty and shortstop Tyler Walsh each tallied three RBI for the Bruins.

The series rubber match between the two in-state rivals will kick off Sunday afternoon with a 1 p.m. CT first pitch. In addition to Mother's Day at the ballpark, Sunday's contest will also represent the Golden Eagle ball club's Senior Day, with the eight Tech seniors being honored approximately 20 minutes prior to the start of the contest.

Photo by Jim Dillon