MURRAY, Ky. - - Belmont (7-26, 0-6) fell in a midweek double-header on the road at Murray State. The Bruins fell in game one, 2-3, and in game two 0-5.
After struggling to hit the ball, Belmont got off to a fast start in game one, earning their first hit of the game when junior Cassie Bollin (Madison, Tenn.) recorded an infield single. The Bruins were unable to capitalize, however, and went into the home half of the first without scoring a run. It was more of the same for Belmont in the second inning when freshman Mia Vierra (Palmdale, Calif.) doubled and was forced out at third, clearing the bases. Murray State took the lead, 0-1, with a run in the bottom of the second inning. The Racers added two more runs to go ahead 0-3 in the bottom of the fourth inning. The Bruins would score their first run in the top of the fifth inning after junior Amanda Buntin (Brentwood, Tenn.) singled to lead off the inning. Buntin advanced to second on a wild pitch and to third on a ground out from freshman Mary Lawson (Tucson, Ariz.). She would score on a groundout from sophomore Becca Gift (Durham, N.C.) which cut the lead to 1-3. Belmont rallied in the final inning after Gift doubled with one out. Gift advanced on a groundout from Bollin and then scored on a single from junior Hannah Irwin (Mt. Juliet, Tenn.). The Bruins were unable to score Irwin and fell in game one, 2-3. Belmont recorded eight hits in the game to Murray State's five, but continued to struggle generating runs.
Once again one big inning for the opposing team doomed the Bruins in game two. Another fast start failed to turn into scores, in spite of the hot start for Belmont. Gift and Bollin singled to start the game, but the Bruins were unable to score either runner. After two scoreless innings, Murray State scored three runs in the bottom of the third to take a 0-3 lead. Belmont continued to muster hits, but struggled to score runs. The Bruins recorded six hits but surrendered 10 and gave up five earned runs to fall in game two, 0-5.
The next game for the Bruins is a conference double-header against North Florida in Nashville on Friday. Belmont will host the Ospreys in the opening game of the new E.S. Rose Park. The first game is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. The games are part of a four game conference home stand for the Bruins. Belmont will also face Jacksonville for a double-header at Rose Park on Saturday. The first game Saturday is scheduled to start at 12 p.m.
