By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Tech Softball will try to reclaim momentum after a tough series against current Ohio Valley Conference leader Eastern Illinois as the Golden Eagles conclude their current home stand with a visit from Georgia State.
First pitch is scheduled for 5:05 p.m. The game is Faculty Appreciation Night as Tech players will be escorted during the starting lineups with some of the professors and instructors that inspire them to succeed in the classroom, while Faculty Athletics Representative Dr. Jeff Roberts will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Admission to all games at Tech Softball Field is free to the public.
Georgia State enters Tuesday's single-game contest with a 10-29 record, falling in its last seven games, including two Sun Belt Conference sweeps against Georgia Southern and James Madison. The Panthers are 1-12 on the road.
As a team, GSU is batting .231 with 97 runs scored and 85 RBI, while collecting 62 extra-base hits – including 39 doubles, eight triples and 15 home runs. Maia Mumpfield (.358) leads the team with 15 RBI, while Jordan Rayner (.290) has a team-best five home runs and 14 RBI. Chloe Middlebrooks (.247) and Ryleigh Garrett (.191) have 11 and 10 RBI respectively.
In the circle, the staff has a 5.09 earned run average, walking 138 and striking out 201 with opponents hitting .296 against. Emily Hodnett (5.06 ERA, 2-7) and Makayla Stephens (5.21 ERA, 3-8) have made the most appearances with 21 each, while Stephens has seen the most innings worked at 78 with 86 strikeouts.
After defeating Bellarmine 9-1 in six innings, the Golden Eagles took EIU to 10 innings before falling 3-2, but then saw the Eastern offense power its way to run-rule victories in the second and third game of the series.
As a team, Tech is batting .259 with 139 runs scored and 115 RBI with 56 extra-base hits – 46 doubles, five triples and five home runs. Sydney Kirby (.298) leads the Golden Eagles with 21 RBI, while Abby Shoulders leads the team in average (.340) and stolen bases (22), while posting 24 runs scored and 10 RBI. Abbee Klinefeter (17) and Makayli Harris (16) also have double-digit RBI totals.
In the circle, Tech has a 3.99 ERA following this past weekend's series, walking 131 and striking out 153. Emily York (5-6, 3.42 ERA) has seen the most work with 16 appearances in 75 2/3 innings, walking 21 and striking out 44, while Lainey Fitzgerald (3-7, 5.09 ERA) has the most appearances with 20 across 53 2/3 innings, walking 41 and striking out 57.
Following Tuesday's single game, the Golden Eagles hit the road for their next OVC foe with a visit to UT Martin.
Photo | Jim Dillon
