By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Tennessee Tech had a chance to leave Memphis with three victories on the weekend, but the host Memphis Tigers were able to stave off the threat, holding off the Golden Eagles 2-1 to earn their first victory of the season.
Tech (6-3) returns to action on Tuesday as it travels to Western Carolina for a 3 p.m. contest.
The Golden Eagles collected four hits in the contest as Mac Fitzgerald, Abby Shoulders, Sydney Kirby and Meaghan Houk all recorded base knocks.
Faith Rush pitched the first four innings, allowing two runs – one earned – on eight hits, walking two and striking out four. Emily York threw the final two frames without allowing a hit or a walk.
After a walk coupled with a wild pitch moved a runner to second, Memphis connected with back-to-back doubles to score both of its runs.
Tech got its lone run of the game in the top of the fourth as Shoulders singled to right to open the frame, then stole second and took third on an errant throw to nab her at second. Sydney Kirby drove her in with a single to short as Kirby beat out the throw.
The Golden Eagles threatened as Houk singled down the left field line, but the outfielder misplayed it, allowing pinch-runner Bailee Stack and Houk to take second and third. The rally came to a close as Faith Rush lined into an unassisted double play with the third baseman snagging the liner and tagging the retreating Stack to end the inning.
Tech stranded two more runners in the fifth but was unable to get anyone aboard in the sixth and seventh.
