AUBURN, Ala. - - Belmont (4-7) faced hosts Auburn (11-0) in the first game of the War Eagle Classic, falling 5-8 to the Tigers. The Bruins used solid pitching efforts from freshman Mia Vierra and sophomore Devon Schmidt, as well as an explosive fourth inning in which they scored five runs to keep the pressure on the undefeated Tigers.
Belmont was led offensively by junior Ashley Byers who continued hitting the ball well, recording two hits and two walks. The Bruins also got two hits from junior Hannah Irwin and one hit apiece from sophomore Courtney Elrod, and seniors Julie Harmon and Kelley Cash.
Byers drew a walk to start the fourth inning and advanced on an effort by the second baseman that put Elrod on first base. Harmon was hit by a pitch, loading the bases. Cash was awarded a base on balls and Byers crossed the plate for the Bruins' first run. Four more Bruins would score in the inning to take a 5-4 lead into the top of the sixth inning. Auburn would score two runs in the top of the sixth to retake the lead. The Tigers would add one more insurance run in the top of the seventh inning to win 5-8.
Belmont continues play in the War Eagle Classic on Saturday, opening the day with a 10 a.m. game against Marshall. The Bruins are 0-1 all time against the Thundering Herd. Belmont will meet Georgia Southern in the second game of the day at 5:30 p.m. The Bruins lead the Georgia Southern series 1-0. In the final game of the tournament, Belmont will play Murray State at 9 a.m. on Sunday. The Bruins and Racers are even in the series at 1-1.
