By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – UT Martin strung together hit after hit on Sunday afternoon, sweeping the twinbill series against the Tennessee Tech softball team as the Golden Eagles fell 6-5 in game one, then 10-2 in game two.
Tech (9-19, 2-2 Ohio Valley Conference) saw the Skyhawks take a 2-0 lead in game one as Savannah Dodson took a bases-loaded walk, then Lauren Myers singled through the left side to score Rachel Williams.
The Golden Eagles chipped away with a single run in the fourth and fifth as Alyssa Richards had an RBI grounder to score Gabby LaSala, then Aalia Bivens hit a solo home run in the following frame.
The Skyhawks (23-8, 3-1 OVC) then scored four runs in the sixth as Myers hit a grand slam.
Tech tried to counter in the bottom of the frame with three runs. LaSala scored on a wild pitch, then Hallie Davis hit a sacrifice fly to center field to score Amity Brown. Raegan Sparks also added a solo home run to left center.
Danielle Liberatore took the loss, allowing six runs – five earned – on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings of work. She walked six and walked three. Kayla Hughes wrapped up the contest, walking two and striking out two.
Seeley Layne was credited with the win, allowing two runs on five hits in five complete frames.
In the second game, the Golden Eagles were held scoreless until the fifth inning, trailing 5-0 at that point. Davis scored from second following a sacrifice bunt from Kelly Kennedy, coupled with a throwing error. Sparks then hit an RBI single to left, driving in Gabby Perez.
But the Skyhawks added two runs in the sixth and three in the seventh to put the game out of reach.
Aeron Smith went 2-for-4 with four RBI to pace the Skyhawks.
Leigh Ellen Thomas took the loss, allowing two earned runs on five hits in 3 2/3 innings of work, while Taylor Waldrop allowed five runs – four earned – on five hits in 2 2/3 frames.
Brooke Kennedy earned the victory for UTM, working all seven frames as she allowed two runs on six hits, walking none and striking out three.
The Golden Eagles return to action on Wednesday as they travel to Lipscomb for a single game at 5 p.m.
