By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
Tennessee Tech Baseball Weekend Preview (Mar. 20-21)
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech baseball team returns to Quillen Field and Bush Stadium at the Averitt Express Baseball Complex for its first weekend series in its home ballpark of 2021, playing host to Ohio Valley Conference foe Eastern Illinois Saturday and Sunday.
First pitch of the three-game series is slated for 12:00 p.m. CT on Saturday as part of a doubleheader with the Panthers. Game two is scheduled to begin at approximately 3:30 p.m. The series finale will take place Sunday at 1:00 p.m. All three games are set to be broadcast on ESPN+, with Roger Ealey on the call.
Following a little more than a week away from team activities due to COVID-19 protocols, the Golden Eagles didn't skip a beat in returning to action on Tuesday, erupting for an 18-4 win at North Alabama. Shortstop Ed Johnson went off in the contest, tallying six RBI on a 3-for-6 showing at the dish, including a grand slam in the team's nine-run sixth inning.
The Tech pitching staff combined to strike out 15 Lions batters on the night, with each of the five hurlers registering at least two apiece. Senior Jacob Parham picked up the win after one and two-thirds frames without allowing a base runner. He punched out three batters in the stretch.
Tech's first two weekend series of the year, originally scheduled to take place in Cookeville, had to be altered and moved due to inclement weather and field conditions in the area. This marks the latest a Golden Eagle team will host their first weekend series since 2004, during former head coach Matt Bragga's first year in the purple and gold. That season, Tech didn't host a weekend opponent until Apr. 3-4, a conference clash with Morehead State.
Fans will be allowed at Quillen Field during the season, but will be required to socially distance in the stands and wear face coverings. Capacity will be limited to one-third of the stadium's original capacity of 1,100 due to COVID-19 protocols. All Tennessee Tech baseball games are free to the public.
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Tennessee Tech vs. Eastern Illinois | Saturday, Mar. 20, 12:00 pm
Cookeville, Tenn. | Quillen Field at Bush Stadium (1,100)
Tennessee Tech vs. Eastern Illinois | Saturday, Mar. 20, 3:30 pm
Cookeville, Tenn. | Quillen Field at Bush Stadium (1,100)
Tennessee Tech vs. Eastern Illinois | Sunday, Mar. 21, 1:00 pm
Cookeville, Tenn. | Quillen Field at Bush Stadium (1,100)
TENNESSEE TECH GOLDEN EAGLES
2021 Record: 6-5
2021 OVC Record: 2-1
Head Coach: Steve Smith
TTU: 9-17 (2nd Season)
Career: 753-540-1 (23rd Season)
STATS LEADERS
AVG: Brett Roberts (.347)
2B: Brett Roberts (7)
3B: Jason Hinchman / Cody Littlejohn (1)
HR: Golston Gillespie (3)
RBI: Ed Johnson (12)
R: Cody Littlejohn (11)
BB: Golston Gillespie (10)
SB: Brett Roberts (6)
ERA: Ty Fisher (1.69)
W: Ty Fisher / Mark Leonard (2)
APP: Jonny Hickman / Mark Leonard (5)
IP: Ty Fisher (16.0)
K: Connor Adams (16)
SV: None
EASTERN ILLINOIS
2021 Record: 9-7
2021 OVC Record: 1-2
Head Coach: Jason Anderson
EIU: 102-148 (5th Season)
Career: Same
STATS LEADERS
AVG: Logan Eickhoff (.420)
2B: Logan Eickhoff (7)
3B: Trey Sweeney (2)
HR: Dalton Doyle / Trey Sweeney (3)
RBI: Trey Sweeney (21)
R: Trey Sweeney (19)
BB: Lucas Diluca (13)
SB: Logan Eickhoff (6)
ERA: Cameron Doherty (3.44)
W: 4 players tied (2)
APP: 3 players tied (5)
IP: Trevor Nicholson (22.0)
K: Trevor Nicholson (27)
SV: Cameron Doherty / Alex Stevenson (2)
Photo by Robert Smith, APSU Athletics
