By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – For just the sixth time in the 2017 season, the Tennessee Tech baseball team lost in the comfort of Bush Stadium at the Averitt Express Baseball Complex, as the Golden Eagles (36-18, 22-6) fell to Ohio Valley Conference rival Morehead State (33-20, 17-10) Thursday evening, 4-1.
It was a pitcher's duel for much of the contest, with Tech ace Michael Wood and Morehead State hurler Aaron Leasher trading zeroes on the scoreboard in the first and second innings. Wood recorded his first six outs on ground balls handled by his defense, including a double play. Leasher used the strikeout for five of his first six outs.
Morehead State broke up the scorelessness in the top of the third frame with an RBI single to right center field by Niko Hulsizer. The visitors would then score a second run in the fourth inning, this time an RBI single off the bat of Hunter Fain.
The Golden Eagles answered with a run of their own in the bottom half of the fourth, with Trevor Putzig singling to third base and then reaching second on a throwing error. The junior third baseman advanced to third on a wild pitch before trotting home on a sacrifice fly to center field by junior first baseman Chase Chambers.
Wood gave way to senior reliever Kit Fowler following the fifth inning, finishing his night with just two runs allowed, no walks and two strikeouts. Fowler managed to record one out before being forced to leave the game due to a minor back injury.
Freshman hurler Devin Lancaster took over, holding the potent Morehead State offense to just two more runs on four hits over the final three and two thirds innings. He struck out three over that period of time, issuing no walks.
Leasher gave way to reliever Curtis Wilson to start the seventh, finishing with eight punch outs and just two hits allowed. Wilson scattered five hits over the final three frames, holding Tech off the scoreboard for the remainder of the contest.
Putzig led the Tech offense with a 2-for-4 performance at the plate.
The two sides will square away again Friday evening in a 6 p.m. CT match-up. Fans are encouraged to follow social media and the TTUsports.com website for updates concerning any game time changes or delays in case of inclement weather.
Photo by Tony Marable
