By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – A quick offensive start and stellar pitching performance on the other side of the diamond proved too much for the Tennessee Tech baseball team to overcome Thursday afternoon, as the Golden Eagles fell to Lindenwood in Ohio Valley Conference action at Quillen Field and Bush Stadium at the Averitt Express Baseball Complex.
The visiting Lions (6-24, 3-4) got off to a fast start offensively on the day, putting up the first run of the day on a double to left center field with the third batter of the game after a leadoff walk. Another free pass and a defensive miscue by the Golden Eagles (9-19, 1-3), loaded the bases.
One more walk and a fielder's choice led to two unearned runs to cap the scoring for Lindenwood in the first. The Lions picked up two more markers in the third off back-to-back solo home runs. A sixth run was added for the visitor's effort in the fourth, this time on a sacrifice fly ball with the bases loaded.
It was essentially a bend-don't-break finish for the Tech pitching staff the rest of the way, holding the Lions off the scoreboard over the final five frames. Matt Gelorme tossed three and two-thirds innings of relief, allowing just the one earned run in the fourth while scattering four walks and a hit.
Daniel Walter covered the seventh inning with a pair of baserunners allowed, but escaped trouble with a double play by the Tech defense. Parker MacCauley closed out the final two frames, striking out four Lions along the way.
Lindenwood hurler Preston Salazar was the hero of the day for the visitors, tossing a complete-game shutout on 120 pitches. The right-hander kept the Tech offense off balance all day, limiting the purple and gold to five hits and three walks across the nine-inning affair. He also struck out five batters.
Left fielder Preston Ford led Tech with a pair of base knocks in the contest.
Game two of the series between the new OVC foes is set for a 6:00 p.m. CT first pitch Friday evening at the Quill.
Photo by Jim Dillon
