NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Belmont University Softball Program (9-6) hosted their home opening series versus Kansas (12-5-1) this weekend. The Bruins and Jayhawks were originally scheduled to play a three-game series, but due to weather, Friday's game was canceled. The teams returned to regular scheduling with a doubleheader on Saturday. Despite their strong effort, the Bruins went 0-2 against the Jayhawks.
Game 1 (0-1, 8 inn.)
Belmont and Kansas both put up a strong defensive effort in game one. The Bruins went three up, three down in the bottom of the first.
The Bruins record three quick outs in the top of the second to return to the batter's box. In her first at bat of the game,
Abi Ledbetter double to right field. The first baseman would later advance to third on a wild pitch.
Brenna Blume followed Ledbetter with a walk.
Savannah Halterman would then pinch run for Blume. Halterman went on to steal second leaving Belmont in scoring position with runners on second and third. The Bruins were unable to bring their runners home leaving the score 0-0 heading into the third.
Kansas recorded a double in the third, but was unable to bring a run in. Belmont then went three up, three down to finish the third.
Two Jayhawks added singles in the top of the fourth.
Emma Summers stepped up and recorded a strikeout to secure the final out preventing a Kansas run in the fourth. Belmont struggled to score in the fourth.
The Bruins and Jayhawks were locked at 0-0 heading into the seventh inning.
Grace Gressly recorded a single for Belmont, but the Bruins were unable to bring her home.
Still tied at 0-0, the game entered extra innings. Lyric Moore hit a home run to put the Jayhawks on the board in the top of the eighth. Blume added a single, but Belmont was still unable to bring in a run resulting in a 0-1 loss.
Game 2 (4-5)
The second game started in a similar fashion to the first. Belmont and Kansas were locked at 0-0 heading into the fourth inning.
The Jayhawks broke things open in the top of the fourth with a home run.
Ella Bertucci stepped into the batter's box and recorded a single for the Bruins. Bertucci then advanced to second on a passed ball.
Baie Ensio took the box after Bertucci and added another single and advanced to second on the throw. Gressly later walked, but once again, Belmont struggled to record a run.
Kansas held a 0-1 lead heading into the sixth. Hailey Cripe recorded a 3 RBI home run to extend the Jayhawks lead to 0-5. Belmont finally got on the board after
Nicole Hughes added an RBI off a fielder's choice.
Ellie Giles entered the circle to relieve
Maya Johnson in the top of the seventh. Giles was able to keep Kansas from scoring in the final inning.
Belmont was down 1-5 heading into the bottom of the seventh. With an error by the Jayhawks, Blume was able to reach base and advance to second.
Kaley Varner went in to pinch run for Blume and advanced to third on a wild pitch.
Indy Cockrill followed with a walk leaving Bruins on first and third. The freshman
Lauren Luciani entered the game for the first time this weekend to pinch hit. Luciani came up with a huge 3 RBI home run to bring the Bruins within one at 4-5. The freshman's home run was the first of her career. Despite the late effort to come back, Belmont was unable to secure another run and ultimately fell 4-5.
What's Bruin
- The Bruins totaled nine hits and four runs over both games.
- Baie Ensio and Grace Gressly led Belmont with two hits apiece.
- Lauren Luciani recorded her first career home run that drove in three runs.
- Abi Ledbetter added the only double for the Bruins.
- Abi Ledbetter tallied 11 putouts while Baie Ensio added 10.
- Emma Summers pitched all eight innings in game one. The pitcher notched five strikeouts allowing five hits and only one run.
Up Next
Belmont will travel to Birmingham, Ala. on Tuesday for a rematch against Samford. The Bruins and Bulldogs will clash at 3 p.m. CT. Live stats will be available on belmontbruins.com and live streaming will be through ESPN+.
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