MURFREESBORO, Tenn. —Middle Tennessee (15-19, 2-8 CUSA) wouldn't go away quietly in the series opener against Louisiana Tech (22-12, 7-2 CUSA). The Bulldogs gained the lead in the middle innings and MTSU was able to get it to within a run, but Louisiana Tech stranded six Middle Tennessee baserunners in scoring position in a narrow 5-4 decision.

After a second inning solo shot home run to open the scoring by Louisiana Tech, Middle Tennessee broke through in the fourth with an RBI single by Clay Badylak to knot the game up at 1-1. Matt Wolfe scored on a wild pitch to give the Blue Raiders the lead at 2-1 heading into the fifth. 

After Bulldog first baseman Trey Hawsey's second home run of the game tied it up in the top of the fifth, Eston Snider collected his 200th career knock in true Eston Snider fashion, getting an infield hit on a ball that nearly snuck into left field. It was the second hit of the evening for the speedy Blue Raider center fielder, and also his third time reaching base.

Collin Kerrigan lasted a career-high 5.1 innings and had a career-high four strikeouts. The left-hander made just his second start of the season following a respectable 3.1 innings of work out of the bullpen last weekend against Liberty.

Louisiana Tech regained the lead in the sixth, scoring three runs with two extra-base hits in the inning to make it 5-2. Kenny McKinley hit a moonshot off of Bulldog starter Luke Cooley in the bottom of the sixth to make it 5-4. McKinley's two-out homer was the seventh of the season, moving him into second on the team in home runs. The Ensworth product has now homered in four of his last five games. The following at-bat was the last batter Cooley would face, closing the southpaw's book at 5.2 innings with four strikeouts.

Will Jenkins allowed just two hits in 3.2 innings of work out of the bullpen for Middle Tennessee, but the Blue Raiders were unable to push the tying run across, late, despite keeping Louisiana Tech off the board over the final three-plus innings. Both Eston Snider and Keaton Ray reached base three times for Middle Tennessee.

By the Numbers
5.1, 4: Career-highs in both innings pitched and strikeouts for starter Colin Kerrigan.
200: Eston Snider collected the 200th hit of his career on an infield single in the fifth inning.
7: Home runs for Kenny McKinley moves him into second on the team in home runs.

The Skipper Speaks (Jerry Meyers)
"It was a competitive game all around," said Middle Tennessee Head Coach Jerry Meyers. "I felt like we did a good job against their starter and Colin (Kerrigan) did a good job, as well. We put some balls in play and had some good at-bats. I thought we had competitive at-bats. I think we did things well in all three phases, but coming up short isn't what we're looking for. I think we need to continue having competitive at-bats and playing defense like we did tonight."

Player Perspective (Senior OF Eston Snider)
"It's an honor and it's been really cool (to get 200 hits)," said Snider. "It doesn't even feel like I've been here that long to get to 200 hits. I couldn't have done it without any of the guys that have been around me. I've really enjoyed it and it means a lot. I try to have a good time out here and leave my mark the best I can. It did cross my mind before the game, but when you go up to the plate, you just try and put the bat on the ball for the guys."

Up Next
Game two of the series is scheduled for tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. at Reese Smith Jr Field. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and can be heard on the Blue Raider Network.