Tennessee Tech lost to Southeast Missouri by a score of 9-7 at Quillen Field at Bush Stadium on April 19, dropping two out of three games in their Ohio Valley Conference series.
The outcome was determined after several rallies from the Golden Eagles, who managed to tie the game early but could not overcome key runs scored by SEMO throughout the contest. The loss leaves Tennessee Tech looking ahead as they continue their season.
After falling behind 4-0 in the first two innings, Tennessee Tech responded with a four-run rally in the bottom of the second inning. Tyler Bennett and Jackson Rooker each contributed RBI singles, Landon Smelser added a sacrifice fly, and Cade Fuller drove in another run after being hit by a pitch. In later innings, Rooker produced an RBI on a sacrifice bunt and Eddie Garza hit his second home run of the season.
Despite these efforts, SEMO scored runs in six different innings to maintain control of the game. The Golden Eagles closed within one run during the seventh inning when Connor Crowson and Garza reached base and Bennett brought home another run with a fielder’s choice. However, SEMO limited further scoring opportunities for Tennessee Tech and added an insurance run in the ninth inning.
Garza led Tennessee Tech offensively with three hits, including his home run and two runs scored. Bennett also had two hits with two RBI while Rooker finished with two hits and two RBI as well. On pitching duty, Eli Huddleston took the loss after working more than four innings out of relief.
Looking ahead, Tennessee Tech will return to Quillen Field at Bush Stadium on Tuesday for a matchup against MTSU scheduled for 6 p.m.