Schmidt, Gates go yard as Tech splits pair at Lipscomb
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A two-run shot by sophomore Callie Schmidt
lifted the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagle softball team to a 3-2
victory in the first game of a doubleheader at Lipscomb Tuesday.
The teams split the twinbill after falling to the Lady Bisons, 7-4,
in game two.
Tech knew it would have a tough outing in game one, facing pitcher
Whitney Kiihnl, who hurled three shutouts last week. However, the
Golden Eagles were able to prevail.
The first runs of the game came in the second inning after a double
down the third base line by Schmidt and a single by freshman Holly
Thomas had runners at the corners. A pair of walks to sophomores
Katie Betry and Anna Zdroik put the Golden Eagles on the board,
1-0.
With sophomore Lacie Coquerille aboard in the third inning, Schmidt
blasted her fourth home run of the year over the left field wall,
putting Tech up 3-0.
The Lady Bisons threatened in the bottom of the seventh when they
were able to load the bases with only one out. However, with Thomas
on the mound, the Tech defense held Lipscomb to a pair of runs,
sealing the game for the Golden Eagles, 3-2.
Thomas picked up her fourth win of the year in her seventh career
complete game, allowing eight hits, striking out three and walking
only one.
The second game picked up right where the first one left off, with
offensive displays by both squads.
Back-to-back doubles by freshman Whitney Cummings and Schmidt gave
Tech the one-run advantage early in the first, but Lipscomb was
able to answer in the bottom half of the inning, scoring a pair
with a triple and a home run.
Tech came back in the second inning with sophomore Kaleigh Gates
hitting her first career home run, a three-run blast that scored
Betry and freshman Brooke Basten, giving the Golden Eagles a 4-2
lead. The Lady Bisons were able to muster five runs in the bottom
of the second off of five hits and a walk, giving Lipscomb the 7-4
lead that would hold to the end of the game.
Sophomore Maddie Schmissrauter took the loss, giving up four runs
on four hits, including two home runs.
The Golden Eagles (8-14) will see thir next action Thursday as they
host Tennessee Wesleyan for a doubleheader at the Tech Softball
field. First pitch is slated for noon. Tech will open Ohio Valley
Conference play on Saturday at Eastern Kentucky.
