By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
CLINTON, S.C. – It was a day for senior Haeli Bryson as she drove in Tennessee Tech's first runs of the year against Northern Kentucky, hit the Golden Eagles' first home run of the season against Presbyterian, then claimed a win in the circle against the host Blue Hose on Friday afternoon as Tech went 2-0 on the opening day of the season at the Blue Hose Invitational.
It is the first 2-0 Opening Day performance for the Golden Eagles since the 2004 campaign. It is also the first time Tech pitchers had back-to-back one-hit victories in a single day since Bonnie Bynum and Sarah Street on March 23, 2006, at Tennessee State.
Bryson went 2-for-3 in the opener with two RBI against the Norse, then went 1-for-3 against Presbyterian with a two-run home run for four total RBI on the day.
In the circle, Bryson and Alyssa Arden matched, both throwing complete-game one-hit victories. Arden allowed just one hit to the Norse, a safety for right fielder Ella LeMonier, to claim her 29th career victory. Bryson allowed one hit to Jersey Silver, walked three and struck out eight en route to her 15th career win.
Tech challenged NKU hurler Madisyn Eads, drawing six walks and collecting five hits. The Golden Eagles loaded the bases in the first, second and fifth innings, powering through in the second as Haeli Bryson drove in Tech's first two runs of the year with a two-run single to center field. The hit allowed Savannah Talley and Mackenzie Fitzgerald to come home to score.
Abby Buettner brought two more home to score in the fourth as her hit ball led to an error in left, sending Fitzgerald and Bryson to score. Carmen Betts picked up an RBI as she drove Buettner home on a single to left.
Betts went 2-for-3 in the opener, while Talley broke up Jenna Greene's no-hit bid in the second game with a hit to short. Green ended the game allowing two runs on two hits, walking one and striking out eight.
It was all quiet in the second game until Bryson helped her own cause as she hit a home run to left, bringing in Alexis Trimiar's pinch-runner, Shelby Penning, home on the blast.
Play continues at the Blue Hose Invitational on Saturday as the Golden Eagles take on South Carolina State at 9 a.m., followed by a rematch with Northern Kentucky at 1:30 p.m.
Photo | Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
