NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A slow start doomed this edition of the Battle of the Boulevard for Belmont Softball on Tuesday evening. The Bruins (30-17) stumbled early and were unable to make up ground down the stretch, falling 5-0, to Lipscomb (34-13).
BU looked to make a mark early in the bottom of the first frame when sophomore Hayley Baker (Rockwall, Texas) smacked a double to right. Unfortunately, the next series of batters were unable to get her home. The Bisons answered the threat by putting three runs over the plate in the top of the second inning, after the door was opened by a Bruin error.
Belmont looked to fire back with its best scoring opportunity of the day, a triple to left center by sophomore Baylee Cook (Lewisburg, Tenn.), in the bottom of the third frame. Unfortunately, she was eventually stranded in part due to the strong pitching of LU's Mandy Jordan. Lipscomb was able to notch one more run in the top of the fourth and sixth innings to go up, 5-0. BU attempted to rally once again in the bottom of the sixth frame, behind a single up the middle by Cook but the team was unable to convert the hit into a run, allowing the Bisons to hold on for the win by the same score.
Cook went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead BU.
Inside the circle, freshman Abby Irwin (Nolensville, Tenn.) and junior Lexi Rouse (Macon, Ga) split time, combining for four strikeouts.
Belmont returns to action on Saturday, April 29, hosting UT Martin for a doubleheader. First pitch is set for Noon. Live stats will be available and the games can be seen live on the OVC Digital Network. At the conclusion of the games, Belmont Softball will honor its five seniors.
Saturday's games at E.S. Rose Park have been designated as part of Family Field Day for Belmont faculty, staff and their families by the University Staff Advisory Council.
