MARION, Ill. - Lindenwood baseball (29-28) continue their first post-season Ohio Valley Conference Championships run with a 9-1 win over #3 Tennessee Tech (37-20) to end Wednesday's action at Mtn Dew Park in Marion, Ill. The Lions' offense exploded for three home runs in the win as they now advance to the double elimination portion of the bracket.

KEY STATS
Ethan Smith: W (4-4), 7.2 IP, 6 H, R, 6 K
Sam Grunberg: 2-5, 2B, HR, 4 RBI, R
Jake Radosevich: 3-5, 2R
Brodie Short: 1-4, HR, RBI, R
Kam Edwards: 1-4, HR, RBI, R, BB

After the Lions left the bases loaded in the first inning, their bats responded with four runs in the second. Mitch Cummins led off the inning with a walk and was brought over to third with a stolen base and a groundout. Evan Funkhouser delivered with an RBI single into left field to put the Lions on the board. He would later score on a throwing error by Tennessee Tech.

With two outs in the inning, Charlie Isom-McCall singled up the middle and was brought home by Radosevich with an RBI single to short. Grunberg capped off the inning with a deep drive to left field with an RBI double as the Lions led 4-0 after two.

Lindenwood would bring out the long ball over the next two innings including a solo home run from catcher Short in the third inning. Grunberg would continue his impressive day with a three-run shot in the fourth inning to put the Lions ahead 8-0. After his team-high 13^th home run, Grunberg is now one short of tying the Lindenwood record for home runs in a single season at 14 (NCAA era).

Edwards capped off a 10 hit night for the Lions with a solo home run to right center field putting the Lions ahead 9-0 in the seventh inning. It marked the 10th time this season the Lions have had at least three home runs in a single game and their first time since April 18th at SEMO.

Smith picked up his fourth win of the season on the mound after an impressive showing. The starting pitcher for the Lions did not allow a single hit until the fourth inning and his only run was in the seventh with a solo home run. His six strikeouts were the second most of the season and his 7.2 innings of work were tied for his most this season.

Lindenwood will now face-off against the number two seed SIUE Cougars on Thursday, May 22nd at 3:00 p.m. CT. For more information go to lindenwoodlions.com.