Clarksville, Ark.-Ozarks' starter D.J. Braswell tossed a three-hitter through five and two-third innings of work, but it was Arkansas Tech that came out on top 9-7 in a non-conference affair on Wednesday night in Russellville.
Tech (21-17) rallied for seven of their nine runs in the seventh and eighth innings, respectively, to overcome a 6-3 deficit heading into the bottom of the seventh. After giving up all three hits in the first frame, Braswell settled in to keep the Tech bats silent through the next innings four and two-third innings. The lefty from Hollister, Missouri, fanned two and allowed only four base runners, three of which came in the sixth, during that span. Cory Briggs gave Braswell a 3-2 lead to work with thanks to a three-run homer in the first. No. 23 Ozarks (28-9) built their lead by scoring one run in the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth innings. A Tony Sanchez three-run homer in the seventh got Tech to within 6-5. With Ozarks holding a 7-5 lead, the Eagles then gave up four runs on three hits in the bottom of the eighth. In rally mode, the Eagles led off the ninth with a single and then got another on board when Todd Koch recorded a pinch hit single. With one out, Ozarks’ comeback would stall as Tech reliever Cody Taylor recorded a strikeout and forced a fly out to end the game.
Ozarks out hit Tech 14-7 in the game, with Briggs finishing 4-for-5 with 3 RBI. Robby Finnell had a 2-for-3 performance at the plate.
John Scheuring (0-2) received the loss.
The Eagles will host Central Baptist College in a double-header on Friday starting at 1:00 p.m.
Topics: Athletics