By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech softball team closed out its tournament on Saturday with some optimistic moments for the offense as the Golden Eagles collected 16 hits between both contests.
Kaylan Cole knocked a ball out of the park for Tech's first home run at home, but Ohio was able to respond to take an 8-3 victory in the closing game. The day's first game saw Robert Morris score 10 runs in the fifth inning on four hits, five walks and three errors to force the run-rule in a 12-3 defeat.
The Golden Eagles (1-20) return to action on Tuesday as they take on Western Illinois in a midweek doubleheader, starting at 3 p.m.
Carmen Betts led Tech against Robert Morris (8-10), going 2-for-2 at the plate with two RBI, while Haeli Bryson collected the other RBI in the contest.
Tech took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first as Bryson drove in Abby Shoulders with a double to right center, then Betts drove in Tristen Head with a sacrifice fly to left field. The Colonials countered in the top of the third, but Tech retook the lead in the bottom of the third as Betts drove in Head with a single to center field.
Neither team scored in the fourth, but the fifth inning proved to be a tough one for Tech. It was a solid performance for starter Callie Piper to that point, but she ended the contest allowing eight runs – six earned – on four hits while walking six across 4 2/3 innings. Cole pitched the final two-thirds, allowing four unearned runs on two hits, walking one and striking out two.
Meadow Sacadura drove in three for RMU, while Anna Resnik and Avery Winchell each drove in two. Jane Garver picked up the victory, throwing four innings as she allowed six hits and three runs while walking one and striking out two. Dana Vatakis pitched the final frame, ceding two hits and striking out one.
In the night cap, Ohio struck for four runs in the top of the second, then Tech countered with a pair in the bottom of the third as Betts and Cole each had RBI singles. After the Bobcats (9-12) picked those two runs back up, Tech got the solo shot from Cole in the bottom of the fifth. Ohio scored single runs in the sixth and seventh.
Cole went 2-for-2 with two RBI to lead the Golden Eagles against the Bobcats, while Shoulders, Bryson, Betts, Jordan Key, Savannah Talley and Meagan Houk combined for eight hits in the game.
Cole pitched the first two frames, allowing four runs on three hits – three earned as one came home on a passed ball – with three walks. Gracelyn Woollen threw the final five innings, allowing four runs – three earned – walking four and striking out one with six hits.
Kylie Coffelt claimed the win, allowing three runs on eight hits, striking out four.
Photo | Jim Dillon
