The University of Evansville baseball team bounced back in a big way, outslugging the University of Tennessee-Martin at Braun Stadium Tuesday night, 10-6 the final.
After falling behind 4-1 in the top of the second inning, the Purple Aces exploded for four runs in the bottom of the frame. It began with senior first baseman Dalton Horstmeier hitting into a fielder’s choice with the bases loaded. A throwing error from the shortstop allowed by senior catcher Travis Tokarek and junior right fielder Nate Reeder, cutting the deficit to one. Senior third baseman Stewart Nelson would follow that up by decking a double to left field, tallying Horstmeier for the equalizer. Freshman designated hitter Tanner Craig would send a grounder to third, but a throwing error would allow Nelson to score the go-ahead tally, making it 5-4 Evansville.
UT-Martin would tie it back up in the fifth inning on a sacrifice fly, but the deadlock wouldn’t last long. In the bottom of the frame, Tanner Craig launched his fourth home run of the season to left, putting Evansville back out in front, 6-5.
UE would put the game out of reach in the sixth, loading up the bases for sophomore center fielder Kenton Crews would unload them, sending bases-clearing triple to center, giving Evansville a four run lead.
The Aces bullpen would allow just a single run the rest of the way, with freshman right hander Austin Ruesch, who pitched the fifth inning, picking up his first collegiate win.
The 10-6 victory improves Evansville’s record to 9-33, while the loss drops UT Martin to 10-35.
The Purple Aces are back in action and back on the road Friday night, as they make the trip up to Terre Haute to take Missouri Valley Conference rival Indiana State, beginning Friday night at 6:30 pm CT.
