Golden Eagles headed to No. 15 NC State for three-game series starting Friday

Golden Eagles headed to No. 15 NC State for three-game series starting Friday

By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information

Tennessee Tech Baseball Weekend Preview  (2/20)

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech baseball team will head east for a three-game test in Raleigh, N.C., squaring off with No. 15 nationally-ranked NC State starting Friday afternoon. First pitch is set for 2:00 p.m. CT at Doak Field at Dail Park.

Game two of the series is currently slated for a 1:00 p.m. start on Saturday while Sunday's finale will begin at 12:00 p.m. All three games will be broadcast on ACC Network Extra.

Because of expected inclement weather in the Raleigh area heading into the weekend, fans are encouraged to check social media and the TTUSports.com website for updates concerning this weekend's schedule, should any changes occur.

The Golden Eagles enter play after sweeping Evansville last weekend with victories of 5-3, 7-6 and 11-10. Game three of series featured an eight-run comeback over the final three innings, capped by back-to-back home runs from freshman Luke Jones (a three-run shot) and junior Jason Hinchman (a solo, walk-off blast).

Following the weekend, Hinchman was named both Collegiate Baseball National Player of the Week and Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Week after smashing five home runs and batting .692 over the weekend. He hit three bombs in third contest, including the walk-off, becoming the first player in program history with multiple three-home run contests in his career.

Tech's scheduled midweek tilt with in-state rival Lipscomb was postponed due to inclement weather and poor field conditions and is expected to be made up at a later date not yet determined.

The No. 15 Wolfpack come into the weekend a perfect 4-0 on the year, having swept James Madison opening weekend by scores of 4-0, 9-6 and 11-2. NC State picked up a midweek victory over Longwood on Tuesday, defeating the Lancers 6-1.

The Golden Eagles clashed with the Wolfpack last season in midweek action, taking an early lead, but ultimately falling 10-6. In the first inning of the contest, former Tech slugger and three-time Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year Kevin Strohschein smashed a two-run home run to break the league's career records for hits and RBI.

Tennessee Tech (3-0) at #15 NC State (4-0)

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Friday, Feb. 21, 2:00 pm | Raleigh, N.C. | Doak Field at Dail Park (3,051) | STATS | VIDEO
TTU Alex Hursey (LHP)
0-0 | 2.70 ERA | 3.1 IP | 6 K | 1 BB
vs.
NCST Nick Swiney (LHP)
1-0 | 0.00 ERA | 7.0 IP | 11 K | 2 BB

Saturday, Feb. 22, 1:00 pm | Raleigh, N.C. | Doak Field at Dail Park (3,051) | STATS | VIDEO
TTU Connor Adams (LHP)
0-0 | 6.23 ERA | 4.1 IP | 3 K | 2 BB
vs.
NCST Reid Johnston (RHP)
0-0 | 4.50 ERA | 2.0 IP | 2 K | 1 BB

Sunday, Feb. 23, 12:00 pm | Raleigh, N.C. | Doak Field at Dail Park (3,051) | STATS | VIDEO
TTU Christian Herberholz (RHP)^
0-0 | 4.50 ERA | 4.0 IP | 4 K | 1 BB
vs.
NCST TBA
- | - ERA | - IP | - K | - BB

TENNESSEE TECH GOLDEN EAGLES
2020 Record: 3-0
2020 OVC Record: 0-0 (T-1st)
Head Coach: Steve Smith
TTU: 3-0 (1st Season)
Career: 747-523-1 (22nd Season)

STATS LEADERS
AVG: Jason Hinchman (.692)
2B: Gavin Johns (4)
3B: None
HR: Jason Hinchman (5)
RBI: Jason Hinchman (7)
R: Jason Hinchman (7)
BB: Brett Roberts (3)
SB: Jason Hinchman (2)
ERA: Trey Wright (0.00)
W: Mark Leonard / Grant Philips / Trey Wright (1)
APP: 12 players tied (1)
IP: Connor Adams (4.1)
K: Alex Hursey (6)
SV: Brock Myers / Tyler Sylvester (1)

NC STATE WOLFPACK
2020 Record: 4-0
2020 ACC Record: 0-0 (T-1st)
Head Coach: Elliott Avent
NCST: 879-528 (24th Season)
Career: 1,103-741 (32nd Season)

STATS LEADERS
AVG: Devonte Brown (.500)
2B: Devonte Brown (3)
3B: None
HR: Devonte Brown / Jonny Butler / Austin Murr (1)
RBI: Devonte Brown / Jonny Butler (7)
R: Patrick Bailey / Devonte Brown / Austin Murr (5)
BB: Patrick Bailey (7)
SB: Tyler McDonough (5)
ERA: Nick Swiney (0.00)
W: 4 players tied (1)
APP: 4 players tied (2)
IP: Nick Swiney (7.0)
K: Nick Swiney (11)
SV: Kent Klyman (2)

Photo by Thomas Corhern