Posted: Apr 13, 2011
Richmond, Ky. – Three Tennessee Tech long balls proved decisive Wednesday as the Golden Eagle softball team took the season series over Eastern Kentucky with a 10-9 victory in Richmond.
Tech's recent struggles were put aside as the Golden Eagles had a resurgence at the plate behind three home runs, two by Callie Schmidt and one by Brittney Spalding.
Down 3-0 in the top of the third, Spalding got the offense going with a two-run shot to bring the Golden Eagles within one. Spalding's home run was her fourth home run of the season, and second two-run shot against the Colonels.
EKU's Kristin Perry managed to get to the top of the fifth still holding the 3-2 lead, but a pair of Tech singles set the stage for Schmidt's three-run homer to give TTU its first lead of the game at 5-3.
The Colonels responded quickly in the bottom of the frame with their own three-run inning to put themselves up 6-5. The Golden Eagle offense answered right back in the top of the sixth as it loaded the bases with one out for Schmidt, who belted a grand slam down the left field line, to give Tech the lead for good at 9-6.
The Golden Eagles would add another run in the top of the seventh that would be needed as Eastern Kentucky's seventh inning rally fell short, as Tech went on to win by the final score of 10-9.
Schmidt's seven RBI are the most by a player in a game this season. Tech's three home runs represent the second time this season the Golden Eagles have hit three home runs in a game, with the last time coming against East Tennessee State (2/27).
Holly Thomas improved to 11-7 on the season, as she went the distance striking out five. EKU's Perry took the loss and fell to 8-7.
The Golden Eagles (16-18, 7-11 OVC) come back home Thursday, for a non-conference game against Western Kentucky. The first pitch is slated for 5 p.m.