Box Score NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Belmont University Softball defeated Easter Illinois University 10-8 in an exciting game to sweep the series, their fifth sweep in Ohio Valley Conference play. The Bruins clinched their 30th win of the season to improve their record to 30-12 overall and 20-5 in conference play. The Bruins are on fire posting one of the best season records to date. For the graduates honored this weekend Lauren Veltri, Jessica Parente, Elison Ollinger, Cheyenne Cavanaugh, and Alicia Veltri this was their last appearance at E.S. Rose Park, and they made it a good one.
A beautiful day in Nashville called for a beautiful game of softball. Both teams today got to show their hitting power and agility around the bases.
Kristen Green started off the scoring for the Bruins in the bottom of the third. A laser sent deep, nailing the foul pole brought home Cavanaugh who previously walked for an RBI double. Alicia Veltri sent a grounder to the second baseman who then attempted to throw out Green at home but was unsuccessful for another Bruin run.
Two singles and a stolen base put Cavanaugh and Emma Barnes in scoring position itching to get home. No problem for home run and RBI leader Green, the junior, sent out a long home run for 3 RBI, her eighth of the season, 5-0.
Bases loaded for the panther's in the fifth, a sacrifice fly got EUI on the board. Catcher Lindy Milkowski sent a 3 RBI home run over the fence, similar to Green's to make it a one run game.
The Bruins knew they needed some insurance to seal the deal on EIU. A 5 run, 4 hits, and 3 error fifth inning did just that. Gabrielle Givers, pinch hitter, had herself a 2 RBI single to get the Bruins started in the fifth. Givers capitalized on a throwing error from the catcher. Cavanaugh with a double down the left field line brought home Baie Ensio to insure a 6 run lead.
The Panther's lessened the deficit in the sixth with another four run inning. Jaylen Prichard led off the inning with a solo homerun. A two RBI single and a sacrifice fly sent in the additional three runs for the Panther's.
The score remained 10-8 for the remainder of the game due to solid defense and smart pitching.
Up Next:
The Bruins will close out Ohio Valley Conference play next weekend beginning May 7 at SEMO.
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