ETSU drops series finale against Tennessee Tech

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (March 6, 2022) – The late-inning comeback by ETSU Softball was not enough as the Bucs dropped the series finale to Tennessee Tech on Sunday afternoon by the final of 5-4. With the loss, the Bucs fall to 4-14 on the season, while Tennessee Tech improved to 12-6.

For the third time in the series, the Golden Eagles scored in the first inning, this time a bases-loaded walk drawn by Kaylan Cole got things started for Tennessee Tech. The Bucs were able to escape the bases-loaded jam with allowing the lone run.

ETSU had chances in each of the first three innings to get the run back but were unable to capitalize, stranding a combined six runners on base.

The Golden Eagles took advantage of the missed opportunities by the Bucs, doubling their lead to 2-0 following a leadoff solo blast by Savannah Talley in the fourth inning. The following inning, Tennessee Tech stretched its lead to 5-0 with three runs on four hits in the fifth inning.

When all seemed lost, the Bucs found a way to put the pressure on the Golden Eagles. ETSU loaded the bases with nobody out in the fifth inning and this time they seized the moment. Bailey Turnbow (Cookeville, Tenn.) forced an error on the Tennessee Tech infield by putting the ball in play, allowing two Buccaneer runners to score on the play. Two batters later, Carolina Davis (Englewood, Tenn.) brought home Riley Tucker (Mount Pleasant, N.C.) from third with a sacrifice fly, trimming the ETSU deficit to 5-3.

The Bucs loaded the bases yet again in the bottom of the sixth inning with nobody out. This time it was Andrea Sarhatt (Knoxville, Tenn.) bringing home a run with a sacrifice fly to cut further into the Tennessee Tech advantage. Unfortunately, the Bucs were unable to cash in for the game-tying run in the sixth inning, sending the fans into a dramatic final frame.

After another 1-2-3 inning by the Buccaneer pitching staff, the home squad had another chance to bring home the game-tying run in the final inning. The Bucs were able to get runners on second and third with one away, keeping the fans on their toes. After a harmless grounder to the Tennessee Tech pitcher for the second out, the Bucs nearly pulled off the perfect squeeze bunt for the game-tying run. However, the final out was made at first base, with the throw beating Kasidy Dunn (Friendsville, Tenn.) by just a half of a step.

Pitchers of Record
» Win: Tyler Erwin (4-1)
» Save: Alyssa Arden (1)
» Loss: Whitley Arnott (0-6)

Notables
» Despite the loss, ETSU tied a season-high in base hits with 13, outhitting the Golden Eagles 13-8.
» ETSU batted 4-of-17 with runners in scoring position, stranding 11 runners on base while holding Tennessee Tech to nine runners left on.
» Both Kelly Warren (Mechanicsville, Va.) and Cameron Young (Knoxville, Tenn.) logged their first three-hit performances of the season, accounting for six of the team’s 13 base knocks.
» Freshman catcher Emily Glasscock (Danville, Ky.) registered her first collegiate base hit, finishing 1-for-3 at the dish.
» The Bucs were successful in swiping 6-of-6 stolen base attempts.
» Whitley Arnott (China Grove, N.C.) picked up the loss in the circle, allowing two runs in 3.0 innings of action.
» MacKenzie Dyson (Hanahan, S.C.) allowed the Bucs to stay in the game, hurling two innings of hitless softball out of the bullpen.
» The Bucs have now dropped nine consecutive games after Sunday’s defeat.
» ETSU falls to 11-23 all-time against Tennessee Tech following the loss.

Record Update
» ETSU: 4-14
» Tennessee Tech: 12-6

Up Next
ETSU is set to host Miami (Ohio) in a three-game series beginning on Saturday, March 12 at Betty Basler Field. Inclement weather is expected throughout the week, so stay tuned to ETSUBucs.com for any schedule updates.

For more information on Buccaneer softball, visit ETSUBucs.com and click on the softball link.