By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Timely hitting and strong showings out of the bullpen lifted the Tennessee Tech baseball team over visiting UIC on Saturday afternoon, as the Golden Eagles claimed their second series win of the season with a 6-4 victory at Quillen Field and Bush Stadium at the Averitt Express Baseball Complex.
The Flames (2-9) came out ready to attack, taking advantage of a pair of Golden Eagle errors in the second and third frames to build an early lead. The purple and gold (8-3) fell into a 3-0 hole heading into the bottom of the third, but the team's patience paid off in the end.
Center fielder Jackson Green was plunked by the first offering of the inning and left field Landon Smelser followed with a walk. A bunt single of the bat of infielder Jackson Rooker loaded the bags, providing the first big scoring opportunity of the day for Tech.
Shortstop Owen Lee delivered in the big spot, ripping a two-run single down the right-field line to put a dent in the deficit. Catcher Mack Whitcomb drew a four-pitch free pass to load the bases back up with still nobody out.
Right fielder Jorsixt Jimenez sent a sacrifice fly to right field to square the contest at 3-3. Designated hitter Riley Black followed suit, drilling a sac fly to center field to put the purple and gold on top for good.
The Tech bats continued to apply pressure in the fourth, picking up a pair of quick base runners with one out. Rooker provided a big insurance run after working a full count on eight pitches, slinging an RBI knock through the right side for a 5-3 Tech lead.
Owen Lee followed with an RBI ground out to first base, providing a three-run advantage for the Tech bullpen to work with. The trio of relievers made good on the help, securing the win with just one more run allowed.
Lucas Vega took over in the third inning and knocked out two full frames of work to lock down his second win of the season. The right-hander struck out one while holding the Flames scoreless into the fifth.
After UIC applied some pressure in the fifth, veteran Reece McDuffie took his turn on the mound and escaped the inning without any trouble. He tossed up a zero in the sixth before the Flames got one back in the seventh behind a solo shot to right-center field.
Sophomore Juan Vargas took the pill for the final two frames, continuing his strong start to the season with a dominant performance. Facing the minimum six batters, the righty earned his second save of the year with a three-pitch strikeout to end the day.
Rooker and Lee each finished the contest with two hits apiece, with Lee pacing the Tech squad with three ribbies. Green and Smelser each scored twice in the contest.
Tech will go for the series sweep over UIC on Sunday, with first pitch scheduled for 12:00 p.m. CT at the Quill. Admission to all Tech baseball games is free of charge.
File photo by Betty Myers
