By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The threat of rain permeated the day Saturday, but it ended up costing Tech as the Golden Eagles started to build momentum against Sacred Heart as the game was called after posting a four-spot on the scoreboard, falling 10-4 in five innings to close out play in the Chattanooga Challenge.
Tech (2-7) also dropped the day's first game against Indiana State 7-4.
Against the Sycamores, ISU scored first in the opening frame, but the Golden Eagles responded with all four of their runs in the bottom of the first.
Raegan Sparks hit a two-run home run off of an 0-2 pitch, taking Beth McCulley along for the ride. Later in the inning, Gabby LaSala hit a double to right center, driving in Bayli Cruse and sending Taylor Thomas to third. Hallie Davis picked up the next RBI, scoring Thomas on a single to short.
However, Indiana State scored twice in the second inning to make it a 4-3 contest, a single run in the fifth, then three runs in the seventh to claim the victory.
Taylor Waldrop took her first loss of the season in six and two-thirds innings, allowing seven runs on eight hits as she walked five and struck out five. Kayla Hughes pitched the final third to close out the contest.
Against the Pioneers, Leigh Ellen Thomas got the start but Sacred Heart jumped on her early, posting three runs on three hits in the bottom of the first as she faced six batters. Hughes came on and pitched the remaining three and a third innings, allowing seven runs on eight hits.
The Pioneers struck for seven runs in the fourth.
As the rain steadily grew, so did Tech's offense. The Golden Eagles struck for four runs in the top of the fifth before the game was called for rain. Aminah Wood collected a one-out single, then Cruse drove in Wood with a double. After a fly out from Taylor Thomas allowed Cruse to advance to third, LaSala took a walk to put runners at the corners. Griffin delivered, blasting a three-run shot as Tech started to build momentum. Following a grounder to end the half-inning, the game was called.
The Golden Eagles return to action next weekend as they compete in the Trojan Classic in Troy, Ala. Tech will face Ohio Valley Conference foe Murray State in a non-conference contest and UAB in the tournament's first day.
Photo by Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
