By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information Coordinator
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – It wasn't quite a no-hitter, but junior Chris Chism did more than enough to lead the Tennessee Tech baseball team to its 19th victory Sunday afternoon, tossing a complete-game shutout and allowing just one hit over nine innings to help the Golden Eagles blank UT Martin, 2-0.
A transfer from St. Petersburg College, Chism was as good as it gets against the Skyhawks, dominating from beginning to end. The right hander struck out a career-high 10 batters while surrendering no walks and allowing just four runners on base all day. Chism hit three batters and gave up a double in the seventh inning.
Even with a small margin of victory, the Golden Eagles truly dominated the entire contest, seeing some bad luck prevent more runs from crossing as Tech unleashed the bats for 10 hits and five walks. The Skyhawks came up clutch in several situations, stranding 10 Golden Eagle runners in scoring position and 11 on base in the game.
The Tech squad managed to scrape runs across both the fourth and fifth innings, using an RBI off the bat of senior Zach Zarzour to score the deciding run. With the bases loaded and one out, Zarzour ripped a ball towards the right field line. UT Martin first baseman Taylor Cox made a heck of a play, stabbing the ball and taking it to first base for a sure out. But his throw home to try and get Tyler Brazelton at the plate came too late as Tech jumped to a 1-0 lead.
Tech doubled its lead in the next frame, using a leadoff single by third baseman Daniel Miles to start things off. After stealing second, Miles came all the way around off the strength of an RBI single by slugger Zach Stephens.
Chism had his repetroire working well during the contest, keeping the UT Martin batters off balance with an array of pitches. The junior became just the sixth Golden Eagle to toss a one-hitter in the program's history, and the second to do it in at least nine innings. The nine-inning feat had not been accomplished since 1975 when Ralph Mallicoat did it against Milligan College.
Miles kept his impressive hot streak running with a 2-for-3 day at the dish, extending his hitting streak to 10 games and improving his team-leading batting average to .444. Shortstop Dylan Bosheers went 2-for-4 on the day, upping his average to .402 for the season.
The Golden Eagles will take a short break before returning to action Tuesday evening when they host Miami (OH) in the first of a two-game set. Opening pitch is set for 6 p.m. at Bush Stadium at the Averitt Express Baseball Complex as the Tech team looks to get in a groove before returning to Ohio Valley Conference play.
