By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Timely hitting was the difference maker for the Tennessee Tech baseball team Sunday afternoon, as the Golden Eagles struggled to get runs on the scoreboard in their Ohio Valley Conference series finale at Austin Peay.
The Governors (8-9, 4-2) defeated the Golden Eagles (10-9, 2-4) at Raymond C. Hand Park by a final score of 8-1. Tech and Austin Peay each tallied 10 hits in the ball game, but the purple and gold had a difficult time converting them into runs, stranding 11 base runners.
Austin Peay took an early lead on the day, scoring in the first inning for the third straight game with a single run in the frame on a sacrifice fly. The Govs picked up a pair of runs in the fourth and three more in the fifth to make it a 6-0 contest. Solo markers in both the sixth and seventh increased it to an 8-0 advantage.
Tech finally broke through in the ninth, with sophomore Zell Walker providing the Golden Eagle score. The infielder laced a double to left field, driving in junior Gavin Johns, who led off the frame with an infield single to third base.
On the hill, it was sophomore Jacob Parham that enjoyed the most success for Tech. The right-hander tossed a scoreless frame in the eighth, striking out one while allowing just one hit.
The Golden Eagles will hit the road one once again on Tuesday, wrapping up their five-game road swing with a match-up at North Alabama. First pitch is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. CT in what represents the eighth contest between the two programs. Tech owns a 7-0 advantage against the Lions, including a 3-0 mark in Florence, Ala.
Photo by Tony Marable