Tech Baseball Drops Game 2 at SIUE, 8-1
Tennessee Tech drops Game 2 at SIUE, 8-1
Game 1
Game 1
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 2 |
|
|
4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | X | 8 | 11 | 0 |
By Jeff Bowe, TTU Athletics Media Relations
EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. — Tennessee Tech baseball received strong relief pitching and key individual efforts, but SIUE used an early surge to claim an 8-1 decision on Saturday on Roy E. Lee Field at the Simmons Baseball Complex.
Despite the setback, the Golden Eagles (9-18, 0-4 OVC) showed resilience, particularly on the mound, where the bullpen combined to keep the Cougars largely in check over the final eight innings. SIUE (13-14, 5-0 OVC) capitalized on a four-run first inning and added insurance runs throughout the middle innings, finishing with 11 hits on the day.
Tech broke through in the second inning with a well-executed sequence. Owen Lee reached with a single and advanced into scoring position before coming home on Eddie Garza's sacrifice fly to center, accounting for the Golden Eagles' lone run of the contest.
Lee led the way offensively, finishing 3-for-4 at the plate with a double and consistently applying pressure on the SIUE defense. Landon Smelser added a double as well, helping Tech tally five hits on the afternoon.
After a tough first inning, Tennessee Tech's pitching staff settled in effectively. The Golden Eagle bullpen—led by Cooper Casteel and Drew Kirby—combined to throw 7.2 innings while allowing just two earned runs. Casteel provided length out of the bullpen, while Kirby was sharp in his appearance, striking out two over a scoreless inning to close out his outing.
Defensively, Tech turned in several solid plays behind its pitchers, and the staff limited additional damage despite SIUE's early momentum.
TTU continued to battle late, putting runners on base in the ninth inning, but was unable to convert additional scoring opportunities.
NEXT UP
The final game of the series is scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. CT. Watch the action live on ESPN+.
