Harris' big blast leads to run-rule victory over Bellarmine
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – A big fourth inning put Tennessee Tech well on top Tuesday afternoon as the Golden Eagles run-ruled Bellarmine 8-0 in five innings. Makayli Harris led the Golden Eagles as she drove in four runs with a 2-for-3 performance at the plate. Sofia Carroll and Abbee Klinefelter both went 2-for-3 with two RBI each.
Game 1
Game 1
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 |
|
|
1 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 0 |
By Thomas Corhern, TTU Athletics Media Relations
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – A big fourth inning put Tennessee Tech well on top Tuesday afternoon as the Golden Eagles run-ruled Bellarmine 8-0 in five innings.
Makayli Harris led the Golden Eagles as she drove in four runs with a 2-for-3 performance at the plate. Sofia Carroll and Abbee Klinefelter both went 2-for-3 with two RBI each.
Bellarmine was held to four total hits as Brooke Shewmaker went 2-for-2. The Knights (10-31) stranded five in all – four at third base.
Tech had solid pitching performances across the board. Addison Abell allowed one hit in her start, going two innings as she struck out one. Emily York pitched the next two innings, allowing two hits with a walk, while Hannah Lange threw the final frame, allowing a hit and a walk.
Makenzie Cowburn went 3 2/3 innings, allowing seven runs on seven hits, walking five and striking out three. Ally Richardson went the final third, allowing one run on one hit.
Tech put one run on the board in the bottom of the first. With one down, Sofia Carroll laid down a perfect bunt to the third base side and beat out the throw for an infield single. Jailynn Paderez walked on four straight pitches, then Klinefelter dropped a single into center field, driving in Carroll.
The Golden Eagles doubled their lead in the third as Paderez drew a walk and Jayla Miller came in to run in her place. Ashley Capelouto then drew a walk on seven pitches to put two on. Klinefelter hit a ball to short and the Knights' defense was able to erase Capelouto at second on the fielder's choice, putting Tech runners on the corners. Harris ripped a single past a diving third baseman, bringing Miller home for the 2-0 lead.
The floodgates opened in the fourth as Tech struck for six runs. Kaylee Midkiff led off with a walk, then Julie Martin put down a bunt single. After Olivia Evans moved the pair up on a sacrifice bunt, Carroll hit a two-run single to center field to bring in Midkiff and Martin. As the defense threw to get Martin at home, the ball got away, allowing Carroll to advance on an error.
Capelouto then walked to put two on, then Harris, after taking the first pitch for a ball, launched a shot over the outfield wall – a three-run blast to put Tech up 8-0.
The Knights threatened in the top of the fifth, getting runners on second and third to try to break up the shutout and run rule, but Lange coaxed a grounder to second to end the game in the fifth.
Tech returns to action this weekend as it heads to Ohio Valley Conference leader Eastern Illinois. The series is currently scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, but with potential weather forecast for Charleston, Ill., there is potential for a schedule change. Follow the team's social media channels and TTUsports.com for updates.
Photo | Jim Dillon
