By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
MARTIN, Tenn. – It was a tough Sunday for the Tennessee Tech softball team as UT Martin completed the three-game sweep with a pair of one-run losses.
The Skyhawks (16-7, 3-0 Ohio Valley Conference) scored a go-ahead run in the fifth inning of the day's opener as Katie Dreiling had an RBI grounder to second to score Anna Blanton to take a 3-2 lead that held through the remainder of the contest.
In game two, the Golden Eagles (17-9, 0-3 OVC) led 3-0 through the home half of the sixth inning, but the Skyhawks tied the game in the home half on Emily Gilstrap's two-run single, then a bases-loaded walk to Dreiling to knot the game.
UTM claimed the walk-off victory in the bottom of the seventh as Kaci Fuller hit a bunt single toward third, but an errant throw allowed Maddi Long to score from first to give the Skyhawks the 4-3 victory.
Kaylan Cole drove in both of Tech's runs in the first game, putting a single into right field to drive in Carmen Betts and Haeli Bryson. Dreiling, however, tied the game up in the home half of the first on a two-run homer to center field.
Bryson (2-2) took the loss in the opener, going 5 1/3 innings as she allowed three runs on six hits, while walking three and striking out three. Tyler Erwin pitched the final two-thirds, throwing up blanks across the line.
Erin Gallagher (5-1) earned the victory, allowing two runs on three hits, walking two and striking out four across five frames. Dreiling also pitched two innings of shutout ball to close out the Golden Eagles.
In game two, Tech took a 2-0 lead in the fourth as Abby Buettner hit a two-run home run – her fifth in the last nine days. The Golden Eagles extended the lead to 3-0 in the top of the sixth as Bryson hit a solo home run to left center.
Alyssa Arden (9-6) took the loss, allowing three earned runs on nine hits, walking four and striking out two. Seeley Layne (3-1) was the pitcher of record when the Skyhawks took the lead, earning the victory. Layne went two frames and struck out three. Alexis Groet lasted 2 1/3 innings in the start, allowing one hit, walking two and striking out one, before Dreiling threw the next 2 2/3, allowing three runs on four hits.
The Golden Eagles return to action on Tuesday as they head to Evansville to take on the Purple Aces in a twinbill. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.
