Bucknell edges Golden Eagles in second game of series Saturday afternoon, 3-2
Struggles with runners on base proved to be enough for the Tennessee Tech baseball team to be dealt its second loss of the season Saturday afternoon, as the Bucknell Bison held on late to defeat the Golden Eagles, 3-2.
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 9 | 1 |
|
|
0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 11 | 1 |
Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Struggles with runners on base proved to be enough for the Tennessee Tech baseball team to be dealt its second loss of the season Saturday afternoon, as the Bucknell Bison held on late to defeat the Golden Eagles, 3-2.
Bucknell (3-3) took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning, gathering an unearned run on a Golden Eagle miscue. The Golden Eagles (4-2) quickly answered, however, tying things up thanks to a solo home run from shortstop David Garza, in the bottom of the second.
The Bison gathered another unearned run in the top of the fourth, taking advantage of a passed ball with the bases loaded to retake the lead, 2-1. The visitors added another run in the top of the sixth to move its advantage to 3-1.
For the second time in as many days, sophomore first baseman Chase Chambers clobbered a long ball, sending a solo shot to left center field to cut the Bison lead down to just 3-2.
It was as close as Tech would come as Bucknell managed to gather timely outs on a Golden Eagle offense that was able to put runners on base, but just couldn't find a way to finish. Tech finished the day stranding 16 runners, including leaving the bases loaded four times. The Bison also had struggles, leaving nine runners on base.
Despite the two unearned markers, Tech starter Travis Moths put together a fantastic showing on the hill, overcoming some early struggles to finish five innings while allowing just four hits and one walk. The sophomore hurler struck out seven batters for the second time this season, but ultimately took the loss on the day.
Bison starter Mike Castellani took his second victory of the year, despite allowing seven hits, walking two and hitting two batters. Danny Rafferty notched his second save of the season, finishing the final four outs of the game.
The rubber match of the series is set for an 11 a.m. first pitch for Sunday morning with junior Evan Fraliex taking the hill for the Golden Eagles.
Photo by Tony Marable
