JACKSONVILLE, Ala. – The Belmont University Softball Program (5-4) opened the Cocky Classic hosted by Jacksonville State Friday morning. The Bruins took on Samford (1-10) where they topped the Bulldogs 8-4.
The Bruins started off hot in the first.
Baie Ensio made it on base after being hit by a pitch. The outfielder would steal second in the next play.
Nicole Hughes stepped up to the plate and recorded an RBI single to bring Ensio home and put the Bruins on the board. With the next at bat,
Emily Cockrill hit a two-run home run. Belmont took a quick 3-0 lead.
Belmont continued to put up big swings in the top of the first.
Grace Gressly and
Abi Ledbetter added singles followed by an RBI single from
Indy Cockrill. With a 4-0 lead,
Emma Barnes entered the batter's box. Barnes blasted a 3 RBI triple to give the Bruins a huge 7-0 edge heading into the bottom of the first.
Maya Johnson started in the circle for Belmont. The pitcher recorded three quick strike outs in the bottom of the first to leave the Bulldogs scoreless.
Both teams went three up, three down in the second inning to keep the score at 7-0.
Brenna Blume recorded a double in the top of the third, but the Bruins were unable to bring a run in. Belmont's defense continued to hold Samford at zero.
Power hitter Hughes recorded an RBI in the top of the fourth to extend the Bruins' lead to 8-0.
Belmont continued to hold Samford scoreless until the bottom of the fifth. The Bulldogs hit a home run to avoid a run rule and get themselves on the board.
The Bruins held the Bulldogs to one run until the bottom of the seventh. Samford drove in three runs before relief pitcher
Ellie Giles threw a strike to close out the game.
Belmont finished on top 8-4.
Up Next
Belmont will face Southern Indiana at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday followed by a match up versus Southern Mississippi at 3 p.m.
Cocky Classic
Friday: vs Samford (10 am)
Saturday: vs Southern Indiana (12:30 pm) / vs Southern Mississippi (3 pm)
Sunday: vs Jacksonville State (3 pm)
Follow Along: Live stats can be found on belmontbruins.com. Sunday's game versus JSU will be streamed on ESPN+.
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