By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – It started with a rally and ended with a route, but at the end of the day, Saturday's doubleheader equated to two big wins for the Tennessee Tech baseball team, as the Golden Eagles defeated Longwood by scores of 8-7 and 12-2.
Even though the first game of the doubleheader, which was being played due to impending frigid temperatures a winter storm warning expected Sunday, started at 11 a.m., Tech didn't really make its splash until the bottom of the ninth, despite the already frigid and terribly windy conditions.
Trailing 7-2, despite having seven hits the game, the Golden Eagles took advantage of pitching change to start the inning. Mitchell Kuebbing came on in relief, never quite getting in the groove and surrendering a single to Jake Farr on the second pitch.
Pinch-hitting, freshman Trevor Putzig jumped right in and rallied from an 0-2 count to lace a single to center field. Next on the docket, Preseason All-American Dylan Bosheers singled down the right field line, driving in a run while advancing the runner to third. Ryan Flick then got hit by a pitch to load the bases and give Tech a real chance at a rally.
And Chambers delivered, working a full count before shattering his first career hit in a Golden Eagle uniform down the left field line, driving in two and plating three total thanks to a fielding error by the left fielder. Just like, it was a one-run ball game.
Andrew Contreras entered the contest, pinch-running for Chambers as Tech gave its last effort for the win. After a groundout moved him to third, Contreras scored on a double down the left field line by freshman catcher Adam Reed. Now the game was tied. And there was still just one out.
Longwood replaced Kuebbing, but Luke Simpson provided no help. Fate had it. Tyler Brazelton stepped to the plate and drilled a single up the middle and off of second base into left field. Reed came around from second and scored, wrapping up a wild effort and unbelievable come-from-behind victory.
From there on out, the Golden Eagles dominated while the Lancers looked visibly shaken and just plain colder. The win seemed to help just keep the Tech quad warmer as the thermostat dropped nearly 15 degrees and the wind pick up by 20 to 30 miles per hour over the course of the second contest.
Tech just simply outplayed the Longwood, racking up 14 hits and 12 runs. The Lancers couldn't seem to do anything right defensively, recording seven errors and scattering nine hits out in the game.
The Golden Eagles opened the second nine with five consecutive innings of at least one run. After five, an 11-run lead was the dagger.
Chris Chism picked up his first win of the year with three innings of work and three strikeouts while allowing just two hits. Alll but one starter recorded an RBI in the second game, being led by designated hitter Tyler Brazelton. The sophomore tallied three RBI on a 2-for-3 performance and two runs scored. He also walked and was hit by a pitch.
Trevor Maloney took the victory in the first game, pitching three and one third innings of relief while allowing two earned runs and three hits. Jake Farr was a monster in the first game, going 3-for-5 at the dish with three runs scored. Bosheers totaled two RBI behind two hits and Brazelton made the most of his pinch-hitting attempt, driving in the game-winning run.
The Golden Eagles are scheduled to take on the No. 33 ranked Tennessee Volunteers Wednesday, Feb. 18 in Knoxville. With more harsh, winter weather expected to make its way into the state in the next few days, it is advised to check TTUSports.com regularly for updates on the status of the game at UT.
Photo by Jim Dillon
