Game One Box Score
Game Two Box Score
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - - Belmont University softball dropped a tough doubleheader to Eastern Kentucky Saturday in its opening OVC games.
The visiting Colonels claimed game one, 7-4, in eight innings, and game two, 2-0.
After falling behind 1-0, the Bruins found an equalizer in the bottom of the fourth, as junior Mia Vierra (Palmdale, Calif.) drew a leadoff walk and came around to score when senior Becca Gift (Durham N.C.) was hit by a pitch. Belmont nearly took a 2-1 lead, but junior Ashley Hammer (Mt. Juliet, Tenn.) was ruled out at home plate on a fielder's choice by sophomore Kat Hollingsworth (Carrollton, Texas).
Belmont surrendered one run in the fifth, but again rallied to tie in the bottom half. A leadoff double by sophomore Heather Turner (Rosenburg, Texas) led to an RBI groundout from Hammer to square things at two.
Freshman Carolyn Snodgress (Torrance, Calif.) did strong work on the mound, before back-to-back home runs from the Colonels in the eighth proved decisive.
Despite the EKU five-spot, Belmont battled back, as Hammer and junior MJ Lawson (Tucson, Ariz.) got the Bruins within three runs before Kristin Perry closed the game.
In game two, the Bruins got a courageous complete game from freshman Taylor Moon (Vestavia, Ala.). And though EKU would scratch out two runs in the first, Moon settled in and surrendered only four hits thereafter.
Meanwhile, Belmont could not muster an offensive rhythm against EKU ace Leanna Pittsenbarger. The sophomore hurler walked junior Kim Johnson (Tucson, Ariz.) to leadoff the Bruin second, but otherwise was perfect.
In fact, Pittsenbarger would face the minimum as Belmont dropped a tough 2-0 decision.
Belmont (7-11, 0-2 OVC) completes the weekend series against EKU (13-9, 2-0 OVC) Sunday afternoon. First pitch is set for 12 p.m. CT from E.S. Rose Park.
