By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. – One big inning proved to be the difference-maker Friday evening, as the Tennessee Tech baseball team dropped its Ohio Valley Conference series opener at Jacksonville State, 8-3, at Rudy Abbott Field at Jim Case Stadium.

The Gamecocks (9-11, 2-2) got the scoring started early on the night, plating one run in each of the first two innings. The Golden Eagles (9-7, 4-3) responded in the third, producing their only damage to JSU starter Christian Edwards.

Third baseman Gavin Johns ripped a leadoff single to right field, eventually advancing to second base after a wild pitch. A fly ball to right field allowed the senior to move up another bag, setting up left fielder Cody Littlejohn for an RBI single to first base in the next at-bat.

Jacksonville State got the run back on its side of the scoreboard in the fourth, collecting its second home run of the game. Both sides traded zeroes in the fifth and sixth, with both starters continuing their respective solid starts.

Golden Eagle hurler Tyler Sylvester finally exited the game with one out in the sixth inning, eventually allowing four earned runs on seven hits. Following his departure, the Gamecocks delivered the big blow in the contest, a bases-loaded walk followed by a grand slam.

Tech made a quick response in the eighth, with returning freshman Brett Roberts ripping a two-out double down the left-field line to keep things alive. Junior Jason Hinchman followed right behind with an RBI single to right field, making it an 8-2 contest.

Keeping the train rolling, first baseman Golston Gillespie roped his own double down the right-field line to drive in Hinchman for an 8-3 score. Jax State finally recorded the final out to end the threat and went on to claim the win on the night.

The OVC series will wrap up Saturday, with a doubleheader scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. CT. Game two is slated for approximately 4:00 p.m.

File photo by Jim Dillon