By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
MACON, Ga. – The long ball wasn't Tennessee Tech's friend on Friday as Belmont and Jacksonville combined for five home runs – after allowing just one in the first seven games – as the Golden Eagles fell twice on the opening day of the Mercer Bear Invitational.
Belmont won the day's opener 12-2, then Jacksonville won the second game 8-0 in five innings.
Tech (1-8) continues its play in the tournament on Saturday and Sunday with both games scheduled against Southeastern Conference foe South Carolina. Saturday's game is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., while Sunday's contest is at 11:30 a.m.
The Golden Eagles held Belmont at arm's length as neither team scored through the first four frames. Callie Piper, off the victory on Sunday against College of Charleston, held the Bruins to one hit through the first four, only for Belmont to strike for five runs in the fifth to end her day.
Piper allowed five runs on three hits with four walks and two strikeouts. Gracelyn Woollen came on in relief to throw the next inning and two-thirds, but Belmont collected six runs on six hits – including two home runs – with two walks and a strikeout. Avery Flatford threw the final two-thirds, yielding an unearned run with a walk and a strikeout.
Tech was held to two hits in the contest as Abby Shoulders and Ella Bishop each picked safeties. Both of the Golden Eagles' runs scored in the sixth inning as Shoulders drove in Bishop with a single to right center, then Haeli Bryson drove in Makayli Harris with a sacrifice fly to center field.
Belmont walked three Golden Eagles and struck out four.
The Golden Eagles were shut out in the second game as the Tech offense was held to just one hit as Jordynn Shirley avoided the no-hit bid in the third inning with a ball through short.
Kaylan Cole took the loss as she allowed eight runs on five hits across an inning and two-thirds, walking one and striking out another. Woollen threw the final two-and-a-third to close out the contest as she allowed just two hits and kept the Dolphins from scoring another run.
Jacksonville scored five runs in the first inning, including a two-run home run, then JU scored three more runs in the bottom of the second with a two-run round-tripper and a solo shot before the Golden Eagles were able to contain the field from further damage.
