Story by Tyler Lamb // Staff Writer
Middle Tennessee (5-5) continued their road series Saturday afternoon with South Alabama (8-2). The Blue Raiders could not find momentum in the final innings, falling 3-2.
After a slow start for both teams, Middle Tennessee struck first in the fourth inning on a two out base hit from Austin Dennis that drove in Brad Jarreau. Dennis finished 1-for-4 with one RBI, while Jarreau went 2-for-4 with a run scored.
MTSU’s Riley Delgado extended his hitting streak to nine games when he came back one inning later with an RBI single to further the lead 2-0. The junior standout finished the night 2-for-4 with an RBI.
First baseman Kevin Dupree also racked up multiple hits, with a 2-for-4 performance.
After scoring seven runs on eleven hits Friday night, the Blue Raiders offense ceased to exist in the latter half of Saturday afternoon’s matchup.
The deciding factor of the game was the Jaguar’s relief pitcher Ryne Long (W, 1-0), who allowed just one hit in four innings of work against the Blue Raiders.
Tyler Troutt (L, 1-1) started on the mound for Middle Tennessee. Troutt has been a bright spot in the pitching rotation, but he was unable to get the job done against the Jaguars.
He left the game in the fifth inning after striking out only four, allowing four hits, walking five, and allowing three earned runs.
The Blue Raiders close out their three-game stint in Mobile, Alabama tomorrow with the series win on the line. First pitch is 1p.m.
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