The Tennessee Tech baseball team played its final game as a member of the Ohio Valley Conference on May 16, losing a close contest to Morehead State at Quillen Field and Bush Stadium at the Averitt Express Baseball Complex.
This matchup marked the end of an era for both teams, who have shared more than 75 years as conference rivals. The Golden Eagles were narrowly defeated by Morehead State, 7-6, in a game filled with dramatic moments and comebacks.
Before the first pitch, Tennessee Tech honored twelve seniors—Manny Garza, Eddie Garza, Reece McDuffie, Connor Crowson, Jorsixt Jimenez, Lawson Stricklin, Jamie Robertson, Drew Mattox, Nash Crowell, Garrett Holpuch, Jaxson Pease and Cooper Casteel—in a special Senior Day celebration. Many of these players contributed significantly during what was for most their last collegiate appearance.
The Golden Eagles rallied from an early four-run deficit after Morehead State took advantage with home runs and timely hitting. Jackson Rooker tied the game in the fifth inning with his first career grand slam. In the eighth inning, senior Jorsixt Jimenez hit a two-run homer that not only tied the game but also placed him among elite company in program history—becoming just the third Golden Eagle since 2000 to bat above .400 for a season and joining an exclusive group with at least 20 home runs in one year.
Despite these efforts and multiple rallies throughout the afternoon—including historic achievements by Jimenez—the Golden Eagles could not overcome Morehead’s late-game surge. A sacrifice fly in the ninth gave Morehead State its final lead.
Tennessee Tech leaves behind an impressive legacy in OVC play: 25 postseason appearances; ten regular-season titles; four tournament championships; numerous individual and team records; and a total of 665 conference wins—including 281 under current head coach Matt Bragga. The team’s historic run includes setting league records during its standout 2018 season when it won an NCAA Regional and advanced to a Super Regional.
