MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Middle Tennessee scored eight runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to end the No. 21-ranked Old Dominion baseball team's 13-game win streak, 13-5 on Sunday afternoon.
Trailing 4-2, the Blue Raiders (8-12, 1-2 C-USA) hit two home runs in the seventh, including a two-out grand slam from Jackson Galloway, to pull ahead 10-5. The home team then added three more in the bottom of the eight to produce the final score.
The first third of the game was dominated by starting pitchers Sam Armstrong and Jaden Hamm, who both had perfect games heading into the fourth. Hamm was the first to blink in the top of the fourth, giving up four runs on five hits.
Kenny Levari and Carter Trice hit consecutive singles to start the fourth and set up a three-run homer off the bat of Andy Garriola. Matt Coutney then immediately followed with a home run of his own.
Garriola went 1-for-4 on Sunday with three runs driven in. He extended his hitting streak to 17 games. Additionally, the senior now has four home runs in the last four games. His fourth-inning home run also extended the Monarchs' (16-2, 2-1) streak of games with a homer to seven.
A pair of two-out singles by the Blue Raiders in the bottom half of the inning cut ODU's lead in half, 4-2.
Armstrong's day ended after the fourth inning. He allowed two runs on two hits while striking out two and issuing one walk.
Joey DeChiaro came on in relief of Armstrong and worked around a hit in the fifth inning before setting down the side in order in the sixth. Josh Trujillo used his legs to tack on another run in the seventh. He led off with a bunt single, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt and then stole third base and scored on a throwing error by the pitcher.
Brett Smith (0-1) received the loss after facing two batters and allowing two runs on one hit in the seventh inning.
Trent Seibert (2-2) evened his record after throwing the last four innings of the game and allowing one unearned run on one hit and striking out four.
The Monarchs return home to host VMI on Tuesday at 3 p.m. before a weekend rivalry series with Charlotte at the Bud Metheny Ballpark.
No. 21 Baseball Sees Win Streak End with 13-5 Decision at Middle Tennessee
