The Tech baseball team is finally approaching Opening Day for the 2014 season.
Last year, Tech had an impressive Ohio Valley Conference run, going 24-6. The Golden Eagles also won 40 games and broke a few records in route to an OVC Regular Season Championship. They did not however, make it past the OVC tournament.
In last year’s conference tournament, the Golden Eagles defeated Southeast Missouri in the first round. The team then lost back-to-back games to Austin Peay and Eastern Kentucky, ending its 2013 season.
Tech opens spring play on Feb. 14 against South Alabama. South Alabama won over 40 games last season and will be a threatening matchup for the Golden Eagles opening game.
TTU Athletic Director Mark Wilson said he is optimistic about the team’s potential this season.
“The baseball team won the 2013 Ohio Valley Conference regular season championship and this season has the potential to be one of the greatest baseball seasons in the history of Golden Eagle baseball,” said Wilson. “We know that respect is earned on the field and we look forward to big crowds for every game in Bush Stadium at the Averitt Express Baseball Complex.”
The Golden Eagles are ranked 36th in the nation going into their 2014 season. Tech will play big baseball names such as Vanderbilt, the defending OVC Tournament Champions Austin Peay, Kentucky and Tennessee. In-state rival, Tennessee will travel to Cookeville for the April 8th game. The Volunteers will be the first SEC team to play in Putnam County since 2008.
“I can’t wait to play them,” said junior pitcher David Hess. “We beat them at their field my freshman year and, after not playing them last year, I think the team is very excited to show that we are more than capable of playing with teams more well known than us.”
Freshmen Anthony El Chibani said his plans for the upcoming season are bigger than just beating the Volunteers.
“Omaha,” said Chibani. “Omaha, Nebraska is where the College World Series is played and that is our ultimate goal.”
Tech will start the season with the away series at South Alabama Feb. 14-16, then face Middle Tennessee on Feb. 18 before returning home for the season’s home opener against NYIT Feb 21.
Admission to all of Tech’s home games in Bush Stadium is free of charge.
