By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Tennessee Tech baseball team fell on the road at the University of Kentucky Tuesday afternoon, with a big seventh inning by the Wildcats proving the biggest difference in the 13-3 ball game.

Kentucky (5-3) scored six runs in the bottom of the seventh, finishing off the contest with a three-run, walk-off double. The two sides agreed to a 10-run, mercy rule after seven innings prior to the contest, providing the opportunity for the walk-off win by the Wildcats.

The Golden Eagles (3-4) got off to a solid start for the third time in four games, taking an early 1-0 advantage in the top of the first. Freshman shortstop Brett Roberts ripped a 2-2 offering to left-center field for a leadoff double. Two batters later, senior third baseman Gavin Johns singled through the left side to drive in Roberts.

The Wildcats answered in the bottom half, plating three to take a lead they would never relinquish. In the second, the Golden Eagles cut the deficit in half after an RBI single to center field from Roberts.

Another three-run inning in the third gave Kentucky a 6-2 advantage before the next and ultimately last score by the Golden Eagles. Senior right fielder Cody Littlejohn led off the frame with a double down the right-field line on the first pitch. Two pitches later, junior left fielder Paul Steffensen gathered his second hit of the game, lacing a single through the right side for an RBI.

Kentucky scored once in the sixth before using the six-run seventh inning to finish off the game. Both Roberts and Steffensen finished the contest with a pair of hits, a run scored and an RBI to pace the Tech bats.

Tech will return to Cookeville and the comfort of Bush Stadium at the Averitt Express Baseball Complex Friday, Feb. 28 to kick off a three-game series against Bradley. First pitch is currently scheduled for 3:00 p.m. CT. Game two is set for a 2:00 p.m. start on Saturday while Sunday's series finale is slated to begin at 1:00 p.m.

Because of expected inclement weather in the Cookeville area throughout the weekend, fans are encouraged to check social media and the TTUSports.com website for potential updates concerning this weekend's schedule.

Photo by Barry Westerman