By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Fresh off of hosting their own tournament this past weekend, the Tennessee Tech softball team will continue its non-conference slate on Tuesday as the Golden Eagles will bring in Western Illinois for a pair, starting at 3 p.m.
Both games will be streamed on ESPN+ (subscription required) with Roger Ealey on the call.
The Fighting Leathernecks come into Cookeville on a 10-game losing streak, going 0-5 this past weekend at the MTSU invitational with two losses to the host Blue Raiders and defeats at the hands of Green Bay, Southern Illinois and Appalachian State. Their last victory came on Feb. 26 in a 9-6, 10-inning win at Ohio Valley Conference newcomer Lindenwood.
As a team, Western Illinois is hitting .229, driving in 53 runs with 12 home runs. Gabriela Drager leads the team in hitting with a .339 average, while Savannah Rodriguez (.271) has a team-best four home runs and 10 RBI. Bella Alvarez (.328) has seven RBI and three dingers.
In the circle, the Leathernecks (6-16) have a 4.23 ERA as a staff, with Emily Price (2.43 ERA, 59 Ks) and Savannah Rodriguez (3.96 ERA, 55 Ks) putting up identical 3-6 records on the season to date.
The Golden Eagles (1-20) are looking to break a 14-game losing streak. Tech's last victory came on February 19 against College of Charleston, an 8-3 decision.
As a team, Tech is hitting .236 with 51 RBI and three home runs – including a Kaylan Cole solo shot this past weekend during the Tennessee Tech Tournament. Makayli Harris and Carmen Betts have the other two round-trippers.
Betts took over the team batting lead over the weekend as she went 7-for-12 during the home tournament, driving in four. For the season, the Tech third baseman is batting .341 with nine RBI and four runs scored. Abby Shoulders, the Middle Tennessee transfer, is hitting .321 with six RBI and a team-best nine runs scored.
It's been tough going for the Golden Eagles in the circle this season with a 10.12 ERA, with Callie Piper (7.74 ERA) picking up Tech's lone victory of the season over the Cougars.
Admission to all games at Tech Softball Field is free to the public.
Photo | Jim Dillon
