By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information Coordinator

TECH AND LONGWOOD WILL PLAY A DOUBLEHEADER SATURDAY, BEGINNING AT 11 A.M., DUE TO IMPENDING FRIGID TEMPERATURES ON SUNDAY

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – A somewhat dazzling performance from the Big South Preseason Pitcher of the Year played spoiler to the Tennessee Tech baseball team Friday night, as the Longwood Lancers defeated the Golden Eagles on opening day, 8-2.

Right-handed pitcher Aaron Myers held the Tech bats at bay for much of six innings, allowing just one earned run while striking out six batters and walking one. He allowed one run in six and a third innings of work, surrendering a solo home run to sophomore outfielder Tyler Brazelton in the bottom of the sixth.

Batting in the two-hole, Brazelton led the Tech offense on the night, going 1-for-2 at the dish with his solo shot and two walks. Fellow outfielder David Allen enjoyed success at the plate as well, gathering two base knocks in three at bats. He drove in his first run of the year in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Senior pitcher John Gora tied a career-high with six strikeouts in the contest, tossing five innings on the mound. The southpaw gave up five runs on eight hits while allowing just one walk. Newcomer Kyle Godwin relieved Gora, covering the next three innings with just two hits and one earned run allowed. He fanned five batters with a solo walk.

Kyri Washington led the Lancers offensively, hitting two home runs and driving in three in five trips to the plate. Travis Biddix drove in two runs on two hits and Colton Konvicka recorded two hits as well, adding a triple to the mix.

Due to impending frigid temperatures expected Sunday morning, the Golden Eagles and Lancers will play a doubleheader Saturday, kicking off the day's action at 11 a.m. CST. Evan Fraliex will take the ball in the first of the two nine-inning games, with the second starter of the day still to be determined.

Photo by Jim Dillon