MARTIN, Tenn. --- A seven-run sixth inning proved too much for UT Martin Saturday as Tennessee Tech cruised to an 11-1 win to even the series.

Saturday's game had the makings of a pitcher's duel early on as Tech held a 2-1 lead at the end of the fifth inning. TTU starter Matthew Shepherd had allowed just one unearned run, on two hits through five innings, while UTM starter Willie Frederick allowed just two runs, one earned, through 4.1 innings.

The Skyhawks went to their bullpen to get the final two outs of the fifth, but in the sixth inning the Golden Eagle hitters put together one of their showings this season as they tallied seven on seven hits to go up 9-1.

The first five Tech batters reached base in the top of the sixth as six Golden Eagles posted at least one RBI, including Ben Burgess who drove in a pair of runs with an RBI single to center field. Chad Hayes recorded two of his game-high four hits in the sixth inning as well.

Tech added two more runs in the top of the eighth off RBI singles from Hayes and Dylan Bosheers to increase TTU's lead to 11-1.

Shepherd, who allowed just one run in the first five innings, set down the final nine batters he faced, before giving way to Zane Morton who threw a scoreless ninth inning to secure the win.

Shepherd (2-2) earned the win as he struck out eight batters in eight innings of work. Frederick (1-3) took the loss as he gave up two runs, one earned, in 4.1 innings pitched.

UTM relief pitchers Trevor Lundgrin, Stu Jones and Nick Wilson each surrendered three runs as they combined to give up nine earned runs on eight hits through three innings.

Burgess, Bosheers and Evan Frazier each drove in two runs for the Golden Eagles.

The rubber game of TTU's three-game series is set for Sunday at 1 p.m.