By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
CONWAY, Ark. – A hot streak from the bats of Central Arkansas proved too much to overcome for the Tennessee Tech baseball team Wednesday afternoon, as the Golden Eagles took their first loss of the 2016 campaign, falling to the Bears by a final score of 14-6.
The Golden Eagles initially kicked off the scoring for the day, using a three-run fourth inning to take a 3-0 lead and establish their presence. Sophomore Chase Chambers earned a two-out walk after working a full count, setting up freshman Kevin Strohschein for Tech's first RBI of the contest. The outfielder laced an RBI double to right center field, driving in his team-leading 10th run of the season.
Reigning Ohio Valley Conference Rookie of the Year Ryan Flick took his turn in the box next, working his own full count before blasting a two-run shot to right center field, his first home run and RBI of the season.
Central Arkansas wasted no time answering, however, scoring four runs in the bottom half of the fourth. The home team kept the momentum rolling through the next three frames as well, posting innings of three, five and two runs each to earn the 14-6 victory.
Tech scored three more times in the seventh inning, gathering RBI from Tyler Brazelton, Chris Brown and Chambers.
For the game, Flick finished 2-for-4 with a team-high two RBI while David Garza racked up a 2-for-3 showing with his first career triple. Senior Jake Farr also posted two hits in the contest in four trips to the plate.
The Golden Eagles will return to Bush Stadium at the Averitt Express Baseball Complex for a three-game series against Bucknell starting on Friday, Feb. 26 with a 3 p.m. tilt. The series will round out with a 2 p.m. affair on Saturday and 11:00 a.m. match-up on Sunday morning.
Photo by Zack Carter, Golden Eagle Sports Network
