By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
Tennessee Tech Baseball Midweek Preview (Apr. 20)
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech baseball team will see its first midweek action since Mar. 30 Tuesday evening, squaring off in an in-state battle at No. 5 Tennessee in a 5:30 p.m. CT tilt at Lindsey Nelson Stadium in Knoxville.
The two programs did not meet during the COVID-19 shortened 2020 campaign, but each team has gathered a win in the previous two meetings. Tennessee won the most recent match-up a 15-10 slobber knocker on May 14, 2019 in Knoxville. Tech edged the Vols in their 2018 contest, winning 7-6 as part of its record-shattering 28-game winning streak.
Tech enters Tuesday's clash after a 1-2 weekend on the road in Ohio Valley Conference play, salvaging a win during a Saturday doubleheader at Southeast Missouri. The Golden Eagle offense exploded out of the gate and southpaw Ty Fisher cruised on the hill as the purple and gold earned a 9-1 win.
It was a team effort in the Golden Eagle W, with eight different Tech hitters recording a hit and six driving in at least one run. Senior Gavin Johns led the way with two hits and three RBI while slugger Jason Hinchman added a pair of hits and two RBI. Shortstop Ed Johnson turned in a couple of base knocks in the leadoff spot as well.
The Vols also come into the midweek contest following a 1-2 showing, dropping a pair against No. 2 Vanderbilt at home. Tennessee collected an 8-4 victory in the middle contest, out-lasting the pitching efforts of Jack Leiter and getting to the bullpen late for a comeback win.
Senior Evan Russell was the hero, cranking three home runs for the second time this season, including the game-winning grand slam in the eighth to erase a one-run deficit. He finished with six RBI on the day.
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Tennessee Tech at #5 Tennessee | Tuesday, Apr. 20, 5:30 pm
Knoxville, Tenn. | Lindsey Nelson Stadium (4,283)
TENNESSEE TECH GOLDEN EAGLES
2021 Record: 12-16
2021 OVC Record: 6-9
Head Coach: Steve Smith
TTU: 15-28 (2nd Season)
Career: 759-551-1 (23rd Season)
STATS LEADERS
AVG: Brett Roberts (.374)
2B: Brett Roberts (10)
3B: 4 players tied (1)
HR: Cody Littlejohn (7)
RBI: Ed Johnson (21)
R: Cody Littlejohn (23)
BB: Golston Gillespie (22)
SB: Brett Roberts (12)
ERA: Ty Fisher (3.26)
W: Ty Fisher (3)
APP: Mark Leonard (12)
IP: Ty Fisher (47.0)
K: Ty Fisher (36)
SV: Grant Phillips (1)
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
2021 Record: 29-8
2021 SEC Record: 10-5
Head Coach: Tony Vitello
UT: 84-50 (4th Season)
Career: Same
STATS LEADERS
AVG: Liam Spence (.378)
2B: Jordan Beck (9)
3B: 4 players tied (2)
HR: Evan Russell (10)
RBI: Jordan Beck (36)
R: Liam Spence (35)
BB: Liam Spence (32)
SB: Max Ferguson (13)
ERA: Blade Tidwell (3.50)
W: Chad Dallas (5)
APP: Sean Hunley (18)
IP: Chad Dallas (47.2)
K: Chad Dallas (67)
SV: Sean Hunley (4)
Photo by Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information