NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Holly Thomas allowed just one runner to reach base all day as she led the Golden Eagles to victory over the Tigers of Tennessee State on Sunday in game one of the doubleheader. Tech split the twinbill, winning 4-0 before falling 4-1.
The senior from Ooltewah, Tenn. hurled seven innings without walking a batter and struck out four to notch her second win in as many days.
A lone Tiger triple in the first inning was the only hit of the game heading into the fourth inning, but that's when Tech's bats caught fire.
After junior Melody Christian reached on a bunt single and Thomas was walked, junior Brittney Spalding singled to right center to bring in Christian. Chanelle Spalding then reached on an error by TSU pitcher Olivia Gamache, allowing Thomas to come in to score. Senior Samantha Everett singled to score Brittney from third, giving Tech three runs in as many plays.
Tech tacked on another run in the top of the fifth, as Brittney Spalding was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, scoring sophomore Cassie Garrett.
The Tigers awoke in the second game of the day, scoring three runs with two outs in the first inning. TSU loaded the bases with a hit batter, a walk and a Tech error, then Kate Morris cleared the bases with a double to left center.
TSU added another run in the fourth after a walk, an error and a wild pitch, giving the Tigers a 4-0 lead.
The Golden Eagles managed a run in the sixth as Brooke Basten reached on an error and was driven in by Brittney Spalding.
Though Tech did not allow a single earned run, junior Claudia Harke was tagged with the loss. She allowed just one hit in her 1.1 innings of work. Freshmen Taylor Ketchum gave up only a walk in her 2.2 innings and fellow freshman Erica Tuck added support with two innings in the circle.
Brittney Spalding went 2-for-5 on the day with two RBI and a run scored to lead Tech.
The Golden Eagles return to action on Thursday as they travel to Jacksonville State for a single game. Tech then returns home Saturday and Sunday to host Southeast Missouri in a three-game series.