Skyhawks Use Six-Run Eighth Inning To Push Past Butler In 13-11 Victory

Saturday, February 14

Martin, Tenn.

12 p.m.

UT Martin

2-1

Butler

1-2

Butler

UT Martin

Skyhawks Use Six-Run Eighth Inning To Push Past Butler In 13-11 Victory

2/14/2026 4:34:00 PM | Baseball

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MARTIN, Tenn. – In a series which has featured three back-and-forth battles, the University of Tennessee at Martin baseball team came out victorious in its second consecutive contest following a six-run eighth inning to push past visiting Big East foe Butler by a 13-11 margin at Skyhawk Field.

The Skyhawks (2-1) and Bulldogs (1-2) have given fans their money's worth through the first three games of the series with 13 lead changes – including three in today's matchup. UT Martin jumped out to an early three-run advantage in the third inning before a big five-run inning by Butler in the seventh inning flipped the momentum. After the visitors pushed their advantage out to as large as three runs on a pair of occasions, the Skyhawks responded with an impressive six-run inning in the bottom half of the eighth inning – recapturing a lead which they would not relinquish.

UT Martin tallied an early season-high 21 hits in the contest – marking the highest individual game total since also notching 21 back on March 21, 2025 against Southeast Missouri. Six different Skyhawks tallied multiple base hits with newcomer Colten Payton leading the way with a 4-for-6 day at the plate – including a pair of doubles. The quartet of TJ Dunsford, Tommy Koch, Amari Conley and Bo Strickland each tallied three hits of their own while combining for seven RBIs in the contest.

Dunsford cranked the Skyhawks first home run of the season, launching a two-run home run in the third inning, while adding four RBIs in the victory. Andrew Davis also racked up three RBIs out of the two-hole while TJ Grines and Bo Strickland each sandwiched the lineup with a pair of RBIs and three combined steals.

The pitching staff was anchored by a strong start by Cason Sharp who limited the Bulldogs to just one earned run over 5.2 innings of work. Gabe Bryant struck out three in his relief appearance while sophomore JP Nunn picked up his first collegiate victory. Wrapping up the notable performances was Trevor Busyn who picked up his first save as a Skyhawk after ending the contest with a strikeout to preserve the 13-11 victory.

UT Martin and Butler will wrap up the series – weather permitting – on Sunday, Feb. 15 with first pitch slated for 1 p.m.