Golden Eagles defeat Kennesaw State, run winning streak to 13 straight

Golden Eagles defeat Kennesaw State, run winning streak to 13 straight

By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information

KENNESAW, Ga. – The streak has now reached 13 games for the Tennessee Tech baseball team. The winning streak that is.

The Golden Eagles (22-5), who now own sole possession of the nation's longest winning streak, wrapped up a four-game road stretch with a 4-2 victory at Kennesaw State (15-14) Wednesday afternoon.

Known for its prolific and eye-popping offense, it was a strong performance on the mound that led the way for the Golden Eagles in the contest at Stillwell Stadium. Sophomore hurler Nic Dye tossed a gem, completing six scoreless innings while pitching himself out of a first-inning jam.

The southpaw allowed three hits and walked three, but put six zeroes up in the spots that counted; the score column. He fanned one while picking up his second win of the season.

As for the offense, Tech jumped on the board in the fourth, as senior first baseman Chase Chambers singled to center field. He advanced to second on a wild pitch and to third on a ground out before denting home plate on an RBI single to second base by fellow senior David Garza.

The Golden Eagle bats spoke again in the sixth, this time plating three runs. Senior third baseman Trevor Putzig led off the frame with a double to left field. A walk to Chambers set up the team with two on and one out. After the two advanced a base on a wild pitch, junior second baseman John Ham drove them home, singling to right field for two RBI.

Ham advanced to second on a fielding error by the right fielder and then took third on a wild pitch, setting up Nick Osborne for an RBI. The junior sent a sacrifice fly ball to center field to make it a 4-0 game.

The Owls claimed two runs in the bottom of the eighth, plating both on a two-run single with the base loaded.

Redshirt freshman Tyler Sylvester came on in relief, forcing a fly out to end the inning and the threat. He then secured the final three outs of the game to clinch the Tech victory and earn his second save of the season.

Ham led the Tech offense with two RBI as part of a 2-for-4 day. Senior catcher Brennon Kaleiwahea earned a 2-for-3 day with a walk while David Garza continued his reached base streak, extending it to 29 games dating back to last season.

Tech returns to Cookeville Friday to open a three-game, Ohio Valley Conference series against Jacksonville State. First pitch is set for a 6 p.m. CT start.

Photo by Tony Marable