NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A comeback rally fell just shy of extending Belmont Softball's win streak to five games on Wednesday at Rose Park. The Bruins (7-17) came back from a two-run deficit but could not topple visiting Memphis (13-15), who went on to take the game, 4-2.
BU was the first to strike and get on the scoreboard in the bottom of the first inning after taking advantage of an early error by the Tigers that put freshman Baylee Cook (Lewisburg, Tenn.) on base. Classmate Jordan Spicer (Hendersonville, Tenn.) was walked and a single up the middle by senior Jess Wilson (Alvin, Texas) loaded the bases. Even with a pitching change, Memphis walked in Belmont's first run of the day when junior Shersty Stanton (Pinckneyville, Ill.) reached on four balls.
UM stormed back in the top of the second inning, taking a 2-1 lead. However, in the bottom of the same inning, the Bruins rallied behind a triple by rookie Hayley Baker (Rockwall, Texas) that followed a single by sophomore Jess Andree (Darien, Ill.). The effort knotted the score at 2-2 and the teams would remained tied with the same score for the next two innings.
Finally, in the top of the fifth, Memphis battled back and took a 4-2 lead after taking advantage of a pair of Belmont errors. The Bruins were able to get runners on base over the next two innings but could not get one over the plate, allowing the Tigers to take the win by the same score.
For the day, Wilson went 3-for-4 and redshirt sophomore Lexi Rouse (Macon, Ga.) went 2-for-3. Andree was perfect at the plate, going 2-for-2 and Baker went 2-for-3.
Inside the circle, Rouse and freshman Ashley Johnson (Kingwood, Texas) split time and combined for eight strikeouts; seven of which belonged to Rouse, setting a new season high.
Belmont returns to action this weekend, opening OVC play hosting Morehead State at Rose Park. The Bruins have a doubleheader slated for Saturday afternoon beginning at 2 p.m. and a single game on Sunday set to start at 1 p.m.
