FLORENCE, Ala.– The University of Tennessee at Martin baseball team fell in Game 1 of its series with North Alabama by a score of 10-0.
Starting pitcher Tristan Walton (2-2) matched his career-high in strikeouts for the second time this season, fanning nine batters over 5.2 frames. Kaleb Baskin and Dylan Lapic also spent time on the mound as the Skyhawk pitching staff only conceded three earned runs on the day.
Zac Rice and Will Smith each doubled to lead UT Martin (5-9) at the plate. Andrew Fernandez, Cole Smith, Blaze Bell and Jalen Fithian also drew walks today.
Through the first three frames, Walton fanned five batters despite the Lions taking a 3-0 advantage. In the home half of the fourth frame, the southpaw added two more punchouts to his ledger to close out the inning.
The Skyhawks had their best scoring opportunity of the day in the top of the sixth as the first two batters reached base safely. However, North Alabama recovered and was able to keep UT Martin off the scoreboard.
The Lions loaded the bases in the bottom of the sixth but Baskin induced a groundout to escape the jam and keep the Skyhawks within striking distance at 4-0.
North Alabama ended the game in the bottom of the seventh as the first two batters reached on errors, leading to six unearned runs.
A doubleheader is in store tomorrow as UT Martin and the Lions start Game 1 at 12 p.m.
