By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Lightning and rain proved to be overpowering enough to prevent a full nine innings between the Tennessee Tech and Middle Tennessee baseball teams Wednesday evening, as the inclement weather forced the early ending to the midweek match-up between the two in-state rivals.

The Blue Raiders (17-25) defeated the Golden Eagles (21-18) after a complete seven innings, using a forceful first inning to provide enough damage for the victory. Just a week after Tech defeated its former Ohio Valley Conference foe on the road, Middle Tennessee exacted some revenge at Bush Stadium at the Averitt Express Baseball Complex with a 9-3 decision.

Plating four in the top of the fourth, Middle Tennessee looked well on its way to a victory before the Golden Eagles took their turns with the sticks. The Golden Eagles rallied nearly immediately, however, using a leadoff home run in the bottom of the first off the bat of sophomore Trevor Putzig to get things started.

After senior second baseman Jake Farr drew a five-pitch walk, freshman slugger Kevin Strohschein, who took his first turn of the year in the three-hole, ripped a double down the third-base line for a second Golden Eagle run.

One inning later, Tech got another lift from the leadoff spot, this time from sophomore designated hitter Ryan Flick. Facing a full count, the lefty laced a ball to right center field and turned on the jets, beating a throw from the outfield to collect his first career triple. Just one batter later, sophomore shortstop David Garza drove in his teammate with a sacrifice fly to center field, cutting the Middle Tennessee lead to 4-3.

It would be the closest the home squad would get, however, as freshman Carson Lester took over on the hill for the Blue Raiders and shut down the Golden Eagle attack over the next four innings, scattering two hits and a walk while fanning four.

Outfielder Blake Benefield gave the Middle Tennessee a huge lift as well, smacking a three-run long ball in the top of the fourth and a solo shot in the sixth to help give the visitors some breathing room before the inclement weather arrived following the conclusion of the seventh inning.

The Golden Eagles will head back out on the road for a weekend series at Little Rock, taking a break from OVC action. The three-game, non-conference set will kick off at 6 p.m. CT Friday evening.

Photo by Jim Dillon