By Jeff Bowe, TTU Athletics Media Relations
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — UIC scored four runs in the second inning and never looked back Friday, handing Tennessee Tech an 8-0 loss at Bush Stadium.
The Flames finished with eight runs on 11 hits and left 11 on base, while the Golden Eagles were limited to four hits and stranded six. Tech fell to 5-5 overall with the setback.
UIC broke the game open in the second. After a one-out single and a hit batter, Sean Cody delivered an RBI single to left. Lucas Smith followed with a two-run double down the left-field line, and Thomas Curry capped the inning with an RBI double to left center to make it 4-0.
The Flames added a run in the fifth when Will Smoot doubled to left center and later scored on Will Flanigan's RBI single to center. In the sixth, Cody doubled to center and came home on Curry's single up the middle, stretching the lead to 6-0 .
UIC tacked on two unearned runs in the seventh. Jake Busson reached on a throwing error, stole third, and scored on Cody's two-run double to push the advantage to 8-0.
Tech's best scoring opportunities came in the third and fifth innings. In the third, Eddie Garza singled to center, and Luke Bragga drew a walk to put two aboard, but a flyout ended the threat. In the fifth, Jackson Rooker walked, and Garza singled to left center, yet the Golden Eagles could not capitalize. Tech finished 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position.
Garza led the Golden Eagles at the plate, going 2-for-3. Landon Smelser and Jorsixt Jimenez added one hit apiece.
Cooper Casteel (1-2) took the loss after allowing four runs on four hits with three walks and two strikeouts in 1 1/3 innings. Drew Mattox tossed 4 1/3 innings, giving up two runs on five hits with five strikeouts. Lawson Stricklin surrendered two runs, both unearned, in 1 1/3 innings, and Alex Kuntz struck out four over the final two frames.
UIC starter Mason Lei (2-1) earned the win, scattering three hits over seven scoreless innings with seven strikeouts.
NEXT UP
Tennessee Tech returns to action Saturday, Feb. 28, hosting Alabama A&M at 3 p.m. CT.
