Defense, pitching propels Austin Peay past Golden Eagles, 7-4
The Tennessee Tech baseball team couldn't quite overcome a strong pitching performance and fantastic defensive effort by Austin Peay Friday night, as the Golden Eagles (24-7, 8-5) fell to the Governors (11-19, 4-6), 7-4.
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 10 | 1 |
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0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 9 | 0 |
By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information Coordinator
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. - The Tennessee Tech baseball team couldn't quite overcome a strong pitching performance and fantastic defensive effort by Austin Peay Friday night, as the Golden Eagles (24-7, 8-5) fell to the Governors (11-19, 4-6), 7-4.
Governor starter Alex Robles was impressive in keeping the usually potent Tech offense off balance, tossing eight inning and holding the Golden Eagles to three runs. Reliever A.J. Gaura also allowed a run in the game as well, but still gathered his first save of the year.
Tech threatened with a comeback bid in the bottom of the ninth, putting the first two runners on base before recording its first out. A wild pitch allowed both Jake Rowland and Jordan Parris to advance a base and put themselves in scoring position for Zach Zarzour. The senior grounded out, scoring a run and advancing Parris to third base.
The rally was cut short however, as Gaura struck out junior designated hitter Jordan Hopkins to end the game.
Austin Peay was the benefactor from strong defense, despite owning the game's only error. The Governors turned three double plays on the night, forcing the Golden Eagles to strand seven base runners on a day that Tech managed nine hits.
Junior David Hess was dealt just his second loss of the season, surrendering seven earned runs in four and one thirds innings on the mound. Both Evan Fraliex and Vann Boyce combined to finish the final four and two thirds innings, combining for five strikeouts.
Rowland led the Golden Eagles on the day, going 3-for-4 with two runs scored while hitting out of the seven hole. Hopkins also recorded a multi-hit game, going 2-for-5 with an RBI.
The Golden Eagles will look to even the series on Saturday in a 2 p.m. match-up against the Governors. Junior Chris Chism will face off against freshman Caleb Powell while looking to give the Tech team its 25th win of the year.
