Box Score NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Belmont dropped a 3-0 decision to Southern Illinois in a midweek game Tuesday afternoon.
The Salukis scored in the first inning and never looked back. After a lead-off walk, Kopach advanced and ultimately scored on a sacrifice fly.
Belmont's offensive struggles started early, having a three up three down inning in the bottom of the first.
Neither team would get much going in the next two innings. Freshman Jackson Campbell (Russelville, Ky.) registered the first hit for the home team with a double to left center field. With two outs and one runner in scoring position, senior Cully Day (Mahomet, Ill.) stepped up to the plate, but would ground out to retire the side.
SIU would extend the lead in the top of the fourth, notching two more runs. The first batter reached on a Belmont error and was put in scoring position after the next batter rocketed a double to center field. The next two Salukis would drive both base runners home.
Belmont's second hit of the night came off the bat of senior Hunter Holland (Zionsville, Ind.). His single to left field sparked some offense for the Bruins. The next batter, sophomore Matt Cogen (Franklin, Tenn.) advanced on a fielder's choice and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Senior Chas Hadden (Morristown, Tenn.) walked to give BU two base runners with only one out. The Bruins were unable to cash in as the next two to the plate struck out and grounded out respectively.
SIU pitcher Brad Harrison retired four straight batters swinging in the sixth and seventh innings, putting a stop to Belmont's momentum. Belmont couldn't generate any offense for the remainder of the game ultimately falling 3-0.
Sophomore Justin Fowlkes (Collierville, Tenn.) pitched five innings, striking out two. Sophomore Brandon Liskey (Harrisonburg, Va.) was efficient in his outing, pitching an inning and striking out two. Senior Austin Reynolds (Smyrna, Tenn.) and freshman Kyle Brennan (Franklin, Tenn.) both pitched an inning on the mound.
UP NEXT
Belmont will be back in action this weekend, hosting Bradley for a three-game series at E.S. Rose Park. The first pitch of the series is set for Friday, March 2 at 4:00 p.m.
