Golden Eagles Drop Midweek Contest at Austin Peay
Tennessee Tech jumped out to an early lead, but a late surge by Austin Peay proved too much to overcome as the Golden Eagles fell, 17-7, in a seven-inning run-rule contest on Tuesday evening.
By Jeff Bowe, TTU Athletics Media Relations
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee Tech built an early lead and briefly rallied to tie the game late, but Austin Peay responded with a decisive offensive surge to hand the Golden Eagles a 17-7 run-rule loss in seven innings on Tuesday evening.
The Golden Eagles (12-25, 2-10) came out aggressively, plating two runs in the first inning. Nash Crowell delivered an RBI single before Eddie Garza followed with a run-scoring knock to give Tech a 2-0 advantage. Crowell added a sacrifice fly in the third, helping the Golden Eagles maintain a 3-2 lead.
Austin Peay answered in the middle innings, using a four-run fifth to jump in front, 7-3. Tennessee Tech responded in the sixth with its most productive frame of the night. Crowell sparked the rally with a two-run double, and Connor Crowson followed with a two-run single to even the score at 7-7.
The tie was short-lived, however, as the Governors answered with four runs in the bottom half of the sixth before erupting for six more in the seventh to secure the run-rule victory.
GOLDEN BATS
- Nash Crowell: 2-for-3, double, 4 RBI, sacrifice fly
- Jorsixt Jimenez: 2-for-2, 3 runs scored, walk
- Connor Crowson: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, walk
- Eddie Garza: 1-for-3, RBI, walk
Tech totaled nine hits on the night and scored seven runs, including four in the sixth inning, to briefly tie the game.
On the mound, Tennessee Tech used eight pitchers in the contest. Justin Fallon got the start, allowing two runs over two innings. Drew Mattox provided 1.2 innings of relief, surrendering one run, while Alex Kuntz and Reece McDuffie combined to allow four runs in the middle frames.
Braxton Lewis (L, 0-2) was charged with the loss after allowing four runs (three earned) in the sixth inning as Austin Peay regained control.
Austin Peay's Aaron Lewis (2-1) earned the win in relief, tossing 0.2 innings while allowing one run and striking out two.
The Governors finished with 16 hits and were led by Trevor Conley (3-for-4, four RBI, home run) and Cole Johnson (3-for-4, three RBI, home run), powering the late offensive explosion.
NEXT UP
The Golden Eagles host SEMO for a three-game series starting on Friday, Apr. 17 at 6 p.m. CT.
