Golden Eagles Drop Series Opener at UT Martin
Tennessee Tech struck early with a two-run homer in the opening inning, but UT Martin answered quickly and held on for an 11–6 victory over the Golden Eagles Friday night at Skyhawk Field.
Game 1
Game 1
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 8 | 3 |
|
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5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 | X | 11 | 12 | 2 |
By Jeff Bowe, TTU Athletics Media Relations
MARTIN, Tenn. – Tennessee Tech struck early with a two-run homer in the opening inning, but UT Martin answered quickly and held on for an 11–6 victory over the Golden Eagles Friday night at Skyhawk Field.
Tech (11–23, 1–9 OVC) jumped out to an early lead in the top of the first. After Jackson Rooker drew a leadoff walk and stole second, Owen Lee launched a two-run home run to right-center field to give the Golden Eagles a 2–0 advantage.
UT Martin responded with a five-run bottom of the first to seize the momentum. The Skyhawks used a pair of walks, timely hits, and a Tech fielding error to plate five runs and take a 5–2 lead after one inning.
Tennessee Tech trimmed the deficit in the third when Manny Garza blasted a two-run homer to right-center, bringing the Golden Eagles within one run at 5–4.
In the fifth, Tech continued to show power at the plate. Jorsixt Jimenez led off the inning with a solo home run to center field, and later Nash Crowell added a solo shot to left-center, tying the game at 6–6.
The Skyhawks regained control in the bottom half of the inning, scoring four runs to move back in front 9–6. UT Martin added two more insurance runs in the eighth to secure the win.
Lee finished 1-for-4 with a home run and two RBI to lead the Tech offense, while Jimenez went 1-for-3 with a homer and an RBI. Garza and Crowell each added solo home runs as the Golden Eagles hit four long balls on the night.
Rooker also reached base twice and stole a base for Tech, which totaled eight hits in the contest.
Starter Carter Casabella took the loss after allowing six runs over 4.1 innings. The Tech bullpen of Drew Kirby, Drew Mattox, and Ty Barnett combined to cover the final 3.2 innings.
UT Martin's Brady Sitton earned the win, while Brayden Bryant recorded the save for the Skyhawks.
NEXT UP
Tennessee Tech and UT Martin continue the three-game series on Saturday with the first pitch scheduled for 3 p.m. CT at Skyhawk Field.
