Box Score 1 |
Box Score 2 CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Belmont University Softball defeats Austin Peay State University in the both competitions of the conference opener. The Bruins defeated the Governors 11-8 in the first game and 6-2.
Game One
Belmont got the game started earning two runs in the top of the first. Following two outs Abi Ledbetter came up to the plate and roped a single to center field. Kristen Green reached first on a pitchers error. Alicia Veltri walked for the Bruins, bases loaded two outs. Ellison Ollinger reached first on an error by the shortstop. This brought in both Ledbetter and Green, 2-0.
The Governors countered in the bottom of the first with a two run home run by shortstop Brooke Pfefferle, 2-2.
The Bruins were unsuccessful in the top of the second leaving Cheyenne Cavanaugh on base after she was previously hit by a pitch.
The Governors took the lead in the bottom of the second adding six runs off of four hits and a home run, 8-2.
Top of the third, a big comeback inning for the Bruins, Green walked and was moved to second by a base hit to left field by Alicia Veltri. Both Green and Veltri were brought in by an Elison Ollinger three run home run demolished to left field. Emma Barnes singled, Audrey Lyle reached on a throwing error by the pitcher. Another error for the Governors took Cavanaugh to first and scored Barnes, 8-6.
The 8-6 score remained the same for the next two innings. The Bruins played fantastic defense in these innings to hold the score.
Top six, leadoff batter, Cavanaugh ripped a solo home run for the lone run of the inning, 8-7.
The Bruins put on a show to take the lead in the top of the seventh. Ollinger led off with a double to right field. Quickly followed by an Emma Barnes single. Emily Cockrill posted a single to center field to score Ollinger. Cavanugh came in with a 2 RBI single, she also advanced to second on the throw. Ensio with another clutch single to score Cavanugh, 11-8.
The Bruins faced four Governors in the bottom of the seventh leaving one on base to finish out the game for Belmont's first conference win of the season. Belmont recorded 11 runs on ten hits with eight RBI.
Relief pitcher Delyana Bryant improved her record to 2-0 pitching six innings for the Bruins playing a pivotal role in the defense today.
Game Two
The Bruins came out hot again in the second game of the day, scoring two runs. Cavanugh led off with a single through the middle. Ensio grounded out. Ledbetter walked, noticing the pitcher wasn't paying attention both Ledbetter and Cavanaugh stole their respective bases. Green ripped a single up the middle scoring Cavanugh and Ledbetter.
A quiet following two innings for both the Bruins and the Governors.
Top of the fourth, Ollinger singled and Emma Barnes walked. They were both brought in by Bruin singles by Emily Cockrill and Lyle. A great inning for the Bruins to extend their lead over the Governors, 4-0.
Austin Peay countered in the fourth with a solo home run, 4-1.
The Bruins left two on base unable to score in the fifth.
The Bruins allowed one to score off a deep drive into right field. A second runner tried to score but a perfectly timed throw to catcher Audrey Lyle caught the Governor out for the third out of the inning, 4-2.
Bases loaded at the top of the sixth the Bruins were able to add to their lead over the Bruins. Lyle walked, Cavanaugh and Ensio both singled. Ledbetter walked after a trying at bat and a pitcher change in the midst scoring Indy Cockrill who pinch ran for Lyle. Cavanaugh scored on a Governor wild pitch, 6-2.
Austin Peay added another run in the bottom of the seventh but the Bruins took home the win.
Up Next:
Belmont Softball will finish out the series in Clarksville at 1:00 p.m. CT Sunday, March 20.
