MTSU Sidelines

Middle Tennessee baseball (26-27, 12-16 CUSA) clinched a Conference USA tournament berth with an 8-1 victory in the series opener against Liberty University (36-18, 19-9 CUSA) at Reese Smith Jr. Field on Thursday.

In the top of the seventh inning with an 8-1 lead in hand for the Blue Raiders, David Horn Jr. was still working through his final frame on over 100 pitches. The Friday starter entered the inning with his pitch count rising and nearing his limit.

After a base hit from Flame outfielder Josh Campos to lead off the inning, Horn Jr. punched out two straight batters before allowing a walk.

Story, photos, and graphic by Ephraim Rodenbach

With the last votes coming in, the top 2 went back to where it all began, performing their audition songs on the main stage.

Hannah Harper sang her original song, “String Cheese.” In this final performance, her voice is noticeably more confident than her audition at Belmont University.

Story by Tucker Young

Photo and Graphic by Jaeda Jackson