Golden Eagles Outslug Skyhawks, 18-16, to Salvage Series Finale
Tennessee Tech erupted for 18 runs on 18 hits and held off a late push from UT Martin to claim an 18-16 victory in Sunday’s series finale, salvaging the final game of the three-game set.
Game 1
Game 1
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
1 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 18 | 18 | 4 |
|
|
4 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 19 | 1 |
By Jeff Bowe, TTU Athletics Media Relations
MARTIN, Tenn. — Tennessee Tech erupted for 18 runs on 18 hits and held off a late push from UT Martin to claim an 18-16 victory in Sunday's series finale, salvaging the final game of the three-game set.
In a back-and-forth slugfest at Skyhawk Field, the Golden Eagles delivered timely power and a decisive middle-inning surge to outlast the Skyhawks despite surrendering 16 runs on 19 hits.
Landon Smelser paced the Golden Eagles with a perfect 4-for-5 performance at the plate, scoring four runs and blasting a home run. Jorsixt Jimenez added two home runs and four RBI, providing key swings throughout the contest.
The turning point came in the fourth inning, when Tech plated eight runs in a massive rally. Nash Crowell delivered a bases-clearing double as part of a six-RBI day, while Eddie Garza capped the inning with a three-run homer to give the Golden Eagles a commanding lead.
UT Martin responded with multiple rallies, including a four-run sixth inning, but Tennessee Tech's pitching staff managed to hold on late.
Eli Huddleston earned the win on the mound, closing the door in the late innings to secure the victory.
GOLDEN BATS
- Smelser — 4-for-5, 4 runs, HR, and 2 RBI; set the tone at the top of the lineup.
- Jimenez — 4-for-6, 4 RBI, 2 HR; provided major power and late insurance.
- Crowell — 4-for-6, 2 2B, 6 RBI; delivered with a three-run double
- Garza — 2-for-5, HR, 3 RBI, 2 runs; ignited the fourth-inning surge
- Connor Crowson — 1-for-5, RBI; contributed key production in the middle of the order.
EAGLES WINGS
- Huddleston (W, 1-0) — 4.0 IP, picked up the win and recorded key outs down the stretch.
The win allows Tennessee Tech to avoid a sweep and carry momentum into the week.
NEXT UP
The Golden Eagles take on the Governors on the road Tuesday at 6 p.m. CT.
