Box Score NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Behind a six run second inning, the Belmont baseball team (3-0) defeated Valparaiso in the second game of the series, 7-3, Sunday at Rose Park.
James Buckelew (1-0) worked his way out of a bases loaded situation in the second inning to pitch 5.1 innings for the Bruins. The junior left hander allowed four hits and struck out five batters.
"He [Buckelew] did a tremendous job on the mound and kept his poise, and pitched dhimself out of some trouble situations," said head coach Dave Jarvis. "He worked his way out of that bases loaded jam in the second inning and that was a big key to our success, then our offense turned around and put up a six spot."
In the bottom of the second, the Belmont bats exploded as Drew Turner started the inning with a single. A double from Josh Davis, his first of three in the game, advanced Turner to third and Valparaiso starter Chris DeBoo walked catcher Jamie Ritchie to load the bases bringing up Ray Eastman.
Eastman struck out before Drew Ferguson singled to right field, scoring Davis and Turner to put the Bruins up 2-0. Scott Moses followed up with a triple to center to plate Ritchie and Ferguson.
"We got great production out of Josh Davis with his three hits, Judah Akers also had three hits and three RBI for us, and then Scotty Moses was a big contributor again with two hits in that number two spot," said Jarvis. "Those are positive things that hopefully we can build on and keep this momentum up going into the week."
With two outs and Moses on third, Akers hit the first home run of the season for the Bruins, putting BU up 6-0 on the Crusaders.
A single from Valparaiso's designated hitter Andrew Bynum put the first run on the board for the Crusaders. With the bases loaded, Blake Harvey came to the mound to relieve Buckelew. The Crusaders scored one more run in the inning to make the score, 6-2.
In the bottom of the seventh, Moses singled down the middle with two outs before stealing second and advancing to third on a Valpo throwing error. Akers singled scoring Moses and forced the Crusaders to go to the bullpen.
Jordan Deal and Dom Veltri made their collegiate debuts on the mound Sunday. Zach Hodgkiss and Jessie Snodgrass also earned some time on the hill.
Akers and Davis each finished the day 3-for-4 at the plate. Akers added three RBI. For the second straight game, Moses had two hits. Ferguson, Beaty, Turner and Ritchie each had one hit.
Belmont wraps up their four game homestand Tuesday, February 19 with crosstown foe Vanderbilt. The Bruins then hit the road for their first road trip of the season to take on the Georgia Bulldogs.
"It's going to be a challenging week for us, but we're excited about it and we're looking forward to it," said Jarvis.
Tuesday's first pitch is scheduled for 4:00pm.
