Box Score NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Scoring six runs off a two-out rally in the bottom of the eighth inning, the Belmont baseball team overcame a four-run deficit to defeat UNC Asheville 6-4 on Saturday at Rose Park.
Belmont has overcome a deficit in its last three wins, scoring six runs in the eighth inning for the first time since April 18, 2019 against Murray State. Freshman Jalen Borders earned his first collegiate win and sophomore Aaron Hubbell earned his second save of the season, helping the pitching staff combine for eight strikeouts.
"This team has a great mentality. It's great team chemistry," head coach Dave Jarvis said. "There's a lot of good character with this team, but we have really good upperclassmen leadership. We have exemplified that so far this year."
UNC Asheville struck first following two singles and a Belmont error to load the bases, with two RBI singles and a fielder's choice in the top of the fourth inning allowed the Bulldogs to take a 3-0 lead. Belmont struggled to generate offense early, striking out 10 times in the first six innings at the hands of UNC Asheville starter Blake Brown.
After a leadoff double in the top of the eighth inning, the Bulldogs took a 4-0 lead thanks to an RBI single.
"I tip the cap to Blake Brown, their starting pitcher," Jarvis said. "I thought that kid had next level stuff today and was really good with his command. Our hitters did a tremendous job of putting him in some stressful situations. To his credit, he was able to meet that challenge every time we did."
A pop up and two strikeouts looked to end the bottom of the eighth inning, but Belmont managed to get a runner on first after a passed ball on a third strike allowed the inning to continue. The Bruins took full advantage, drawing a walk and collecting a double from sophomore Jack Capobianco that gave the Bruins their first run.
Belmont drew two walks immediately to load the bases and then score, cutting the deficit down to two runs.
"We were struggling the whole game and things weren't going our way," sophomore John Behrends said. "That passed ball gave us an edge and gave us the advantage."
Behrends answered the bell in the next at-bat, clearing the bases with a double to left center to give Belmont the lead. Sophomore Tommy Crider drove Behrends home with a single to center field, giving the Bruins a two-run advantage heading into the final half-inning.
Hubbell came in and took care of business, retiring all three batters he faced and collecting a strikeout to give Belmont the win.
"The thing about baseball is there's going to be a lot of failure and there's going to be a lot of adversity and a lot of frustration," junior Logan Jarvis said. "You have to know what you can control and what you can't. The guys know that there's a lot of game left to play. We know that if we're down, there's a good chance that the lead doesn't stay theirs."
Belmont looks for the series sweep on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Rose Park.
