By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – A lights-out pitching performance from junior Alex Robles proved too much for the Tennessee Tech baseball team to overcome Friday evening, as Austin Peay (15-9, 7-3) defeated the Golden Eagles (13-11, 5-5) in the first of a three-game series, 10-2.
The Governors did the majority of their damage in the second inning, plating five runners on six hits. Robles took it from there, tossing seven and one third innings while fanning 10 and allowing just the two earned runs.
The Golden Eagles clipped the APSU ace for six hits on the day, with none bigger than that of junior Matt Jones. The first baseman took the first pitch he saw in the fifth and promptly deposited it over the wall in left center field for his second long ball of the season.
Tech snagged another run in the bottom of the sixth, set up by redshirt freshman Alex Junior. The center fielder laid down a perfect bunt to third base on the first offering from Robles and used his blazing speed to beat the throw for an infield single. Two batters later, senior second baseman Jake Farr drove Junior in, lacing a double to right center field.
Right handed pitcher Marcus Evey put together a fantastic showing in relief on the day, covering three and one third innings on the hill in dominating fashion. The freshman allowed just one unearned run on one hit and one walk while striking out a career-high six batters, including four in-a-row to start his day.
The Golden Eagles and Governors will square off in game two of the series Saturday afternoon. The 2 p.m. CT tilt will see senior Trevor Maloney face off against Michael Costanzo at Bush Stadium at the Averitt Express Baseball Complex.
Photo by Jim Dillon