By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – A concerted effort from batters, fielders and pitchers alike led the Tennessee Tech baseball team to its second victory over the Ohio Valley Conference leading Southeast Missouri Redhawks in as many days, a 4-3 decision that also helped the home team claim the three-game series.
Just like they did in the first contest of the series, the visiting Redhawks (31-15, 20-6) jumped on the board first, collecting a solo run in the top of the second frame without the help of a hit. A walk to Chris Osborne, followed by a wild pitch, passed ball and another wild pitch provided the 1-0 lead for Southeast Missouri.
Tech (25-19, 12-11) answered in the bottom half of the third frame, starting with a fantastic at bat from senior Josh Pankratz. The left fielder worked a seven-pitch full count before smacking a fly to shallow center field. Miscommunication in the outfield allowed the ball to drop safely off the sprinting and outstretched glove of left fielder Daniel Costello, setting up the Golden Eagles for a great opportunity.
SEMO's Clay Chandler managed to gather a quick out on a failed bunt attempt and even jumped ahead of senior Jake Farr with an 0-2 count one batter later. The second baseman prevailed, however, blasting a two run jack job clear over the scoreboard in right field to give Tech a 2-1 lead in the blink of an eye.
Freshman slugger Kevin Strohschein kept his unbelievable series rolling with a base hit to center field, followed closely by a double to left center field off the bat of senior Chris Brown. Sophomore Trevor Putzig made sure to put the ball in play on the first pitch he saw, barely grounding out to second base to drive in Tech's third run of the frame.
On the other side of the inning, Golden Eagle starter Jake Usher managed the game quite well, carrying a no-hitter into the fourth inning before surrendering a solo home run for the first Redhawk hit of the game. The junior tossed five complete innings, scattering three hits and five walks while holding one of the league's top offenses to just two earned runs. He also fanned five SEMO batters in the contest on his way to what would become his second win of the season.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, Tech dented home plate one more time, taking advantage of throwing error from third base. After a fly ball double dropped down the right field line for Strohschein, Chandler worked his way to his team's second out before facing Putzig yet again. The youngster fouled off two straight pitches before spitting a soft ground ball down the third base line. With the ball sailing over the first baseman's head, Strohschein rounded third and jogged in safely to home plate for a 4-2 Tech lead.
The insurance run proved to be just enough for freshman reliever Ethan Roberts, who took over for Usher to start the sixth frame. The right hander was nearly infallible while closing out the final four innings, giving up just a single hit, a solo home run to Garrett Gandolfo in the eighth. He allowed a total of three base runners with a walk and a hit by pitch, but the rookie dug deep and fanned five to garner his first career save and send the Tech dugout into celebration.
After a stellar 4-for-4 showing in the first game of the series – including two home runs, a double, three runs scored and five RBI – Strohschein followed that up with another 4-for-4 performance Saturday afternoon. The right fielder tallied another double with three singles while scoring twice for the Golden Eagles.
Farr proved the leader in the RBI department, gathering two on the long ball and finishing 2-for-5 on the day. Putzig also managed multiple hits in the contest, including a ground rule double, while also picking up an RBI.
The Golden Eagles will go for the series sweep Sunday afternoon with game three set for a 1 p.m. first pitch at Bush Stadium at the Averitt Express Baseball Complex.
Photo by Tony Marable
