PULASKI, Tenn. – Tennessee Southern could not overcome a big middle-inning swing, falling 7–4 to Thomas University in the series finale on Saturday at Bobby Walker Field.
Thomas struck early with a pair of runs in the first, and added another in the fourth to build a 3–0 advantage.
The Firehawks broke through in the fifth. Jake Tegler reached on an error and Evan Nelson followed with a single to put two aboard. Zac Wilson delivered a two-RBI single down the left-field line to bring Tennessee Southern within 3–2. Later in the inning, Devin Thrain added an RBI single to cut the deficit to 7–3 after Thomas answered with a four-run top half.
Tennessee Southern chipped away again in the seventh. Nelson reached and eventually came around to score on a sacrifice fly from Cooper Phillips to make it 7–4.
The Firehawks continued to apply pressure late. Tegler singled to open the ninth and Zach Chaney entered as a pinch runner. Nelson later reached, and Wilson and Phillips both worked walks to load the bases, but Tennessee Southern was unable to bring the tying run across.
Nelson led the Firehawks with two hits and two runs scored. Wilson drove in two runs and reached base four times, while Phillips added an RBI. Thrain contributed a hit and an RBI, and Tegler added a hit and scored a run.
Baron Cribbs and Gage Beckner each recorded a hit, while Beckner also reached base multiple times. Anthony Pastrana reached base three times after being hit twice and drawing a walk.
On the mound, Cooper Bailey worked four innings, allowing three runs (two earned). Tavien Tigg provided 2.1 scoreless innings in relief, while Mac Etheredge and Collin Perkins combined to close out the game without allowing a run.
Tennessee Southern returns to action Tuesday, April 14, traveling to Bryan College.
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