By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information

MARTIN, Tenn. – A big fifth inning looked like enough for the Tennessee Tech baseball team to capture its second straight victory against Ohio Valley Conference rival UT Martin Sunday afternoon, but the Skyhawks (3-11, 2-3) captured their own strong frame to down the Golden Eagles (8-8, 2-3), 7-5.

Less than 24 hours after receiving one of the most dominant pitching performances in program history from senior Chris Chism, the Golden Eagles continued that great stretch on the mound. Combining with Chism's one-hitter from the night before in which he didn't allow a hit after the first batter of the game, Tech railed off 12 consecutive innings without surrendering a base knock.

Tech starter Evan Fraliex held the Skyhawks hitless through the first three innings, striking out three along the way. UT Martin got to him in the fourth, however, snagging four hits to grab an early 2-0 lead in its home park.

The Golden Eagles answered immediately, scoring five runs in the top of the fifth behind sacrifice flies from All-American shortstop Dylan Bosheers and freshman third baseman Trevor Putzig, as well as an RBI single from freshman first baseman Chase Chambers and a two-run single from redshirt freshman designated hitter Rylan Flick.

The Skyhawks managed to tally a run in the bottom half to cut the lead to 5-3, but the next frame went scoreless for both sides, leaning in favor of the Golden Eagles as the game approached the final three innings. And then UT Martin struck hard.

With two quick outs and a runner on second, the Skyhawks stringed together five consecutive hits to take a 7-5 advantage and almost shock the Tech bench in the process.

The Golden Eagles nearly rallied in the ninth, plating three runners in-a-row with two outs on the scoreboard, but UT Martin closer Patrick Bernard got the ground out he needed to pick up his third save of the year and give the Skyhawks the win.

Flick led the Golden Eagles with two hits and two RBI on the day, scoring a run and walking once as well. Fraliex took the no decision, despite pitching five effective innings with five strikeouts and just three earned runs surrendered. UT Martin reliever Michael Fidler collected his second win of the year.

The two in-state rivals will meet for the rubber match on Monday in a 3 p.m. CT contest in Martin, Tenn.

Photo by Jim Dillon