Tech Falls 4-3, Drops Series to Western Illinois
Tennessee Tech battled into the final inning Sunday afternoon, but a two-run ninth by Western Illinois proved the difference in a 4-3 setback at Quillen Field, as the Golden Eagles dropped the Ohio Valley Conference series, 2-1.
Game 1
Game 1
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 9 | 0 |
|
|
0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 8 | 0 |
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee Tech battled into the final inning Sunday afternoon, but a two-run ninth by Western Illinois proved the difference in a 4-3 setback at Quillen Field, as the Golden Eagles dropped the Ohio Valley Conference series, 2-1.
The Golden Eagles (15-30, 4-14 OVC) carried a 3-2 lead into the ninth before the Leathernecks strung together three hits, including a go-ahead RBI double, and capitalized on a wild pitch to plate the eventual winning run.
Tech showed resilience throughout, getting on the board in the second inning with a solo home run off the bat of Eddie Garza. The Golden Eagles added single runs in the fourth and eighth innings, manufacturing offense with productive outs to briefly reclaim the lead late.
Garza paced the offense, finishing with a game-high three RBI, including his third home run of the season. Manny Garza added a two-hit performance, while Nash Crowell also recorded a pair of hits as Tech totaled eight on the day.
On the mound, Garrett Holpuch delivered a solid start, striking out five over four innings while allowing two runs. Drew Kirby provided a strong effort out of the bullpen, fanning four across two scoreless frames to keep Tech within striking distance heading into the late innings.
Western Illinois (14-28, 7-11 OVC) collected nine hits and was led by Cordell Coburn and Krayton Morse, who each tallied two hits, while the Leathernecks capitalized on late opportunities to secure the series victory.
NEXT UP
The Golden Eagles travel to Nashville on Tuesday, Apr. 28, for a 6 p.m. CT first pitch against Lipscomb.
