RICHMOND, Ky. – Richmond native Ben Fisher broke Eastern Kentucky University’s single season home run record when he hit his 22ndof the year in a 9-2 loss to Ohio Valley Conference leader Tennessee Tech University on Saturday at Earle Combs Stadium.
With one out in the bottom of the fifth inning, Fisher took the first pitch he saw for a ball and then fouled off the second pitch. The senior deposited the third pitch over the wall in right field to break the program record of 21 home runs.
Kyle Nowlin set the previous mark last season. Ironically, he hit his 21st at Tennessee Tech on May 21, 2016.
Fisher began the weekend tied for first in the nation in home runs. He finished Saturday’s game 2-for-3 with a walk, a run and an RBI.
“It’s a remarkable accomplishment for Ben,” EKU Head Coach Edwin Thompson said. “Our program has a lot of history. A lot of great players have come through here, many major leaguers. It’s really special to see Ben set the record for home runs, especially here at home in front of our fans.”
The two teams will conclude their series on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Earle Combs Stadium. Admission to Sunday’s game is FREE for all fans.
Ryan Flick’s 2-run single in the first inning gave the Golden Eagles a 2-0 lead. Matt Olive cut the deficit in half with a sacrifice fly in the bottom half of the inning.
David Garza extended the lead to 4-1 in the top of the fifth when he drove in two runs on a single through the left side. The Colonels closed to 4-2 on Fisher’s record-breaking dinger in the bottom of the fifth inning. However, Eastern never got any closer.
Tech’s Chase Chambers hit a three-run home run in the top of the seventh.
Trevor Putzig finished 2-for-4 with three runs scored and one RBI. Jake Usher (4-1) tossed seven innings, allowed two runs on three hits, walked six and struck out three.
