By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – After weather wreaked havoc with Tennessee Tech's schedule last weekend at the Buccaneer Classic in Johnson City, the Golden Eagles will return to action for a three-game series against Lipscomb.
The games are slated for a 1 p.m. doubleheader at Draper Diamond on Saturday, then a single game on Sunday, also at 1 p.m.
Lipscomb (9-9) went 2-3 in its last five games, including a 9-1 run-rule loss to Tennessee on Wednesday in Knoxville. Last week in the Purple/Gold Challenge, Lipscomb split decisions with SIUE, defeated UMBC and fell to Indiana State.
Tech (9-8) was only able to get two complete games in last week as Alyssa Arden threw a one-hitter against Bowling Green, before East Tennessee State run-ruled the Golden Eagles 10-1 in six innings. Tech started a game against No. 20 Tennessee and got into the second game before it was suspended. A continuation date has not been set in that contest.
Lipscomb's top run producers – Kamrie Rich and Jenna Endris – are batting on the lower end of .200, but when the opportunities arise, they have been able to drive runners home. Rich (.222) has 12 RBI, while Endris (.205) has 10. Amy Vetula leads the team in average (.375) and runs scored (14). Endris currently leads the team in home runs with two.
The Lady Bisons have 30 total extra-base hits with 23 doubles, two triples and five home runs with 62 RBI. In contrast, Tech has 12 doubles, one triple and 15 home runs with 73 total RBI.
Megan Gray leads Lipscomb in the circle with a 7-1 record and a 2.43 ERA, collecting seven complete games and two shutouts over 57 2/3 innings. She has walked 20 and struck out 60 with opponents hitting .212 against her. Katie Turner (2-1, 3.60 ERA) and Emily Yakubowski (0-6, 5.25 ERA) have also seen the bulk of innings for the Lady Bisons.
For the Golden Eagles, the tandem of Raleigh Lewis and Sydney Love-Baker lead the squad with 23 of the team's 73 RBI and 10 of the 15 home runs. Lewis is hitting .347, Love-Baker .346.
In the circle, Arden has a 6-2 record and a 4.47 ERA with 29 walks and 57 strikeouts in 51 2/3 innings, with opponents hitting .269. Haeli Bryson (5.03 ERA, 3-5) will also see action in the series.
