NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- After an early stalemate, the Belmont University Softball team posted two runs in the bottom of the fourth inning and never looked back in Sunday's finale of the Bruin Classic. BU (11-3) extended its win streak to four and collected its fourth shutout of the season, holding off Butler (4-10), 7-0, at Rose Park.
When the Bruins sprang to life in the bottom of the fourth frame, it was literally from the first pitch. Senior Lexi Rouse (Macon, Ga.) exploded for a double to right center and junior Cam Strother (Chesapeake, Va.) came in to pinch run. A hard hit ball was mishandled by the Bulldogs' right fielder allowing junior Hayley Baker (Rockwall, Texas) to reach. Strother and Baker moved into scoring position behind a wild pitch before junior Baylee Cook (Lewisburg, Tenn.) was sent to first base on four balls, loading the bases. A hit by freshman Elison Ollinger (Robins, Iowa) scored a run and opened the floodgates. BU was able to load the bases again with another Butler error before sophomore Bailey Sims (Flowery Branch, Ga.) singled to left, adding another run.
The bottom of the fifth inning saw Belmont pack on so many runs, the contest was nearly halted for the run-rule. Rouse led off this inning, as well, this time reaching because of a walk. Consecutive singles by Baker and Sims plated a run and forced Butler to change pitchers. However, movement around the bases was only paused, not stopped. A wild pitch sent Baker over the plate before Cook stole home on a double steal opportunity with Ollinger. Junior Sami Long (Springfield, Ill.) knocked a double to left center scoring a fourth run to change the score to 6-0 in BU's favor.
BU's third consecutive inning of scoring was just as dramatic. Senior Jess Andree (Darien, Ill.) collected a walk to reach first base before eventually moving to third on a wild pitch. Rouse's bat refused to cool as she posted a run scoring single to increase the differential to seven runs. Butler was able to record a pair of hits in the top of the seventh inning but was unable to plate a run, securing the win for Belmont.
Cook was perfect at the plate, going 3-for-3 with a run and an RBI. Rouse went 2-for-3 in the win, also finishing with a run and an RBI.
Inside the circle, sophomore Brooklin Lee (Burns, Tenn.) went the distance inside the circle and notched seven strikeouts in the effort.
Belmont returns to action on Wednesday with a stop on the road at in-state rival Chattanooga. Game time is set for 6 p.m. Live stats will be available.
