By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – A seventh-inning rally propelled the Tennessee Tech baseball team to a big midweek victory over in-state rival Middle Tennessee Tuesday evening, as the Golden Eagles (13-18) used a six-run barrage to set back the Blue Raiders (17-14), 6-5.
Through six innings, the home team held a 2-0 edge over the Golden Eagle squad, scoring single runs in the third and sixth frames.
But Tech had other plans for the night, taking control in the top of the seventh inning. Freshman designated hitter Ryan Flick led off the top half by doubling to center field. After a quick out and pitching change for the Blue Raiders, Josh Pankratz came to the plate and singled to right field.
Anthony El Chibani followed up by getting hit by pitch, loading the bases for Tyler Brazelton. The sophomore delivered a huge hit, doubling down the left field line and tying the game for the Golden Eagles at 2-2.
Next up for the Cookeville bunch marked senior David Allen. The center fielder gave the Golden Eagles the lead for good, singling in another Tech run for a 3-2 lead. After Allen advanced to second base on a passed ball, All-American Dylan Bosheers watched as he was intentionally walked to load the bases. A strikeout put the Blue Raiders just one out away from escaping from any more damage, but senior Jordan Hopkins took his turn at the dish.
Hopkins delivered the biggest hit of the ball game, doubling to right field and clearing the bases for a 6-2 Tech lead.
Middle Tennessee nearly made a rally of its own, scoring three runs in the bottom of the eighth on a balk and two-run home run by Jared Allen. Then, in the ninth inning, Jake Ingold led off with a single to center field off Tech closer Cain Sloan.
A sacrifice bunt and ground out gave the Golden Eagles two outs, but also moved Allen to third base, representing the tying run with Will Schnure stepping into the box. He nearly provided the run needed to tie things up smacking a dribbler down toward third base. Tech catcher Jordan Hopkins made a brilliant play on the ball, leaping forward to the ball in play and throwing out Schnure by a half-step to secure the big victory.
Sloan collected his second save of the season in the outing, covering the final four outs for Tech while striking out one and allowing just one hit. He marked the final of six Golden Eagle hurlers to take the hill on the night, with Jeb Scoggins grabbing his first win of the season.
Austin Tolle, Travis Moths, Trevor Maloney, Scoggins, Kyle Godwin and Sloan all combined to fan 12 Blue Raider batters on the night, with each recording at least one K in the contest.
Hopkins led the Tech offense on the night, going 2-for-5 with three RBI. Brazelton added two RBI with one hit and one run scored. Six different Golden Eagles scored runs on the night.
The Golden Eagles will continue their five-game road stretch on Friday, April 10 when they continue Ohio Valley Conference play with a three-game set at Jacksonville State. First pitch for game one is set for a 6 p.m. CT start.
Photo by Tony Marable
