MIDDLE TENNESSEE, TENNESSEE TECH SET FOR MIDWEEK SHOWDOWN

ALGOOD, Tenn. (Interstat) — The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders will look to continue their recent winning ways when they visit the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles in nonconference baseball action Tuesday at Bush Stadium at Averitt Express Baseball Complex.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. under clear skies with temperatures near 65 degrees.

Middle Tennessee (21-19) enters having won three straight, including a 4-0 shutout of Delaware on Sunday. The Blue Raiders have won seven of their last 10.

Tennessee Tech (13-27) seeks to rebound after dropping two of three at home to Southeast Missouri State last weekend. The Golden Eagles’ offense has shown life, scoring 28 runs in that series, but pitching struggles have persisted.

A key matchup will feature Middle Tennessee right-hander Cole Torbett, coming off a dominant performance. In Sunday’s win, Torbett carried a no-hitter into the ninth inning, finishing with 8 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing four hits and striking out six. His recent outings have been inconsistent, but he presents a formidable challenge for the Golden Eagles’ lineup.

Tennessee Tech will counter with shortstop Tyler Bennett, its hottest hitter. Bennett went 7 for 12 (.583) with a home run and four RBIs in the three-game set against Southeast Missouri State. He will be central to the Golden Eagles’ efforts to solve Torbett.

The teams met earlier this season on Feb. 24 in Murfreesboro, with Middle Tennessee rolling to an 11-1 victory.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Middle Tennessee is projected to win 5-3.

Following Tuesday’s contest, Middle Tennessee travels to face Sam Houston in a weekend series beginning Friday. Tennessee Tech hosts North Alabama on Wednesday before a weekend home series against Western Illinois.