By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – It was a tough one for the Tennessee Tech baseball team Friday night, as the visiting Murray State Racers rallied in the final three innings to come from behind and defeat the Golden Eagles in their Ohio Valley Conference series opener, 7-3.
Battling at Quillen Field and Bush Stadium at the Averitt Express Baseball Complex, the Racers (12-15, 7-3) took an early, 1-0 lead, scoring an unearned run in the second.
Tech (11-16, 2-11) responded in the third, seemingly figuring out Racer starter Trevor McMurray. After Hunter Higdon reached on a throwing error to lead off the frame, McMurray got a quick out.
Junior Anthony Carrera stepped up and ripped a 1-1 offering down the right field line, a 2-run laser that left the field almost instantly. The left fielder's sixth long ball of the year gave the Golden Eagles a 2-1 lead.
Two batters later, sophomore Jason Hinchman made it a 3-1 Tech lead, hammering a solo shot to left center field on an 0-1 count. The slugger launched his OVC-leading 12th dinger of the season.
McMurray locked in for the Racers following the third, limiting the Golden Eagles to just three more hits the remainder of the game. He tossed a complete game, allowing the three runs on six total hits.
The Racers cut the Tech lead down to 3-2 in the fourth, using a solo home run for the damage. In the seventh, the visitors jumped back on top for good, this time using a three-run blast to left center field from Tyler Duke. Murray State added two more, unearned markers in the ninth.
Due to inclement weather, including possible thunderstorms, expected in the area on Sunday, both games two and three of the series will be played Saturday. Game two is still scheduled for a 2:00 p.m. CT start with game three to begin approximately 30-45 minutes following the conclusion of game two.
Photo by Tony Marable
