Box Score 1 |
Box Score 2 NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A beautiful Tuesday night in Nashville for Belmont University Softball to sweep the double header against the Tennessee State University Tigers to improve their win streak to 11 games, breaking the program record for the longest win streak in a season. The Bruins are now 17-7 on the season and undefeated in the Ohio Valley Conference tying for first place alongside Murray State.
The Bruins have continued to prove themselves this season continuously adding to the win column against fierce competition. Today alone the Bruins scored 17 runs, on 23 hits, posting no errors in twelve innings.
"I really like how we are playing right now. We are finding lots of different ways to win, and it's great to get off to a good start in conference play. We have a long way to go and a lot of very good OVC teams still to play, but I'm proud of where we are right now," Head Coach Matthews on the Bruins performance in conference play.
Game One:
In the Bruins five inning victory, the Tigers went up early in the top of the first off of a double to bring in Farias, 1-0.
Belmont countered quickly, scoring two of their ten runs in the bottom of the first. Kristen Green ripped a single up the middle right through the pitchers legs to bring in both Cavanaugh and Ensio from their respective scoring positions, 2-0.
Lyle up to bat in the bottom of the second sent a bomb into left center field for a two run homerun, 4-0. Lyle's second home run of the season both at E.S. Rose Park, both in conference.
The Tigers scored their second run in similar fashion to their first off of a double to score Drayton, 4-2.
Bottom of the fourth, bases loaded, Killian Roberts reached first on a fielder's choice, an RBI to score Emily Cockrill, Audrey Lyle out at third, Cavanugh reached second. Ensio Green in the batter's box, ripped a bomb into right center for a three run home run, 8-2,
The Bruins defeated the Tigers in five innings adding two runs to their total, Emily Cockrill reached first on a Tigers error, tactical Gabrielle Givers saw the opportunity and scored. Cavanough singled to the shortstop, sending Emily Cockrill home on the throw to end the game, 10-2.
Emma Summers pitched a complete game with two strikeouts, allowing only one walk, and two earned runs.
Game Two:
The Bruins did not let up in the second matchup of the day, posting their third shutout of the season.
A quiet first inning for both teams was immediately ruptured in the bottom of the second with a Kristen Green solo home run to put the Bruins on the Board, 1-0. This sparked Belmont to earn an additional three runs this inning. Alicia Veltri singled to centerfield. Indy Cockrill came in to pinch run for Veltri advancing to second on a wild pitch, and stole third. A twin telepathy moment on the field after Emily Cockrill walked, she then proceeded to steal second as Lyle was entering the box. Indy Cockrill noticed the pitcher try to tag Emily Cockrill and successfully stole on the throw. Kaley Varner singled and proceeded to steal second, her speed brought her home on a Cheyenne Cavanaugh single up the middle, slapping the fence, 4-0.
The Bruins recorded one hit between the third and fourth innings courtesy of Abi Ledbetter. No runs were scored by either team due to fantastic defense.
Belmont extended their lead by two in the fifth from doubles by Baie Ensio and Ledbetter, 6-0.
The Bruins added an additional run to their shutout in the bottom of the sixth, Varner doubled to score Emily Cockrill, who previously singled then proceeded to steal both second and third, 7-0.
Alicia Veltri had one of her best games this season allowing only five hits, one walk, with three strikeouts.
Up Next:
The Bruins head to UT Martin to play in a three game series beginning on April 2.
