Late Surge Lifts Eastern Illinois Past Tennessee Tech
Despite a fast start, Tennessee Tech could not hold off a late push from Eastern Illinois, falling 9-6 on Friday on Quillen Field at Bush Stadium at the Averitt Express Baseball Complex.
Game 1
Game 1
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 9 | 9 | 0 |
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4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 9 | 1 |
By Jeff Bowe, TTU Athletics Media Relations
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — Despite a fast start, Tennessee Tech could not hold off a late push from Eastern Illinois, falling 9-6 on Friday on Quillen Field at Bush Stadium at the Averitt Express Baseball Complex.
The Golden Eagles (10-22, 1-8 OVC) jumped in front early, plating four runs in the first inning behind RBI singles from Nash Crowell and Manny Garza, along with a run-scoring groundout from Landon Smelser.
Eastern Illinois (17-11, 7-1 OVC) chipped away before breaking through in the later innings. Mike O'Conor proved to be the difference, launching three home runs, including a go-ahead blast during a five-run eighth inning that swung momentum decisively in favor of the Panthers.
The Panthers tied the game with a three-run seventh inning before erupting in the eighth, capitalizing on a mix of timely hitting and free bases to take a 9-4 lead.
Tennessee Tech continued to battle, getting a two-run homer from Connor Crowson in the ninth to cut the deficit to three, but could not complete the comeback.
Crowson led the Golden Eagles with three hits, including the late home run, while Owen Lee added a pair of hits in the effort.
Drew Kirby (0-2) was tagged with the loss in relief, while James Geshel earned the win for Eastern Illinois.
NEXT UP
Tech returns to Quillen Field at Bush Stadium on Tuesday to host Austin Peay at 6 p.m. CT.
