NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Belmont University Softball Program (25-10, 11-3 MVC) opened the series against Missouri State (9-26, 5-10 MVC) on Friday. The Bruins continued their hot offensive streak to top the Bears 4-2.
How it Happened
Belmont set the tone from the first pitch. With two strikeouts and three straight outs,
Maya Johnson and the Bruins held Missouri State scoreless and headed to the bottom of the first.
Emma Barnes and
Nicole Hughes recorded two hits to start off the inning followed by an RBI single by
Brenna Blume to put the Bruins on the board. Belmont took a 1-0 lead at the end of the first.
The Bruins sent the Bears to another three up, three down inning in the second. Barnes stepped up to the plate and recorded another single while bringing in Belmont's second run of the day. With a 2-0 lead, Belmont headed into the third.
Belmont continued to play lock down defense in the third to keep MSU scoreless. The Bruins were unable to bring a run in themselves in the bottom of the third.
MSU responded in the top of the fourth with a two-run home run to even the score at 2-2.
Belmont and MSU were knotted at 2-2 heading into the bottom of the fifth. Hughes led off the inning with another single followed by a single from
Emily Cockrill.
Brenna Blume was then walked. With a fielder's choice,
Abi Ledbetter reached first leaving the bases loaded with Bruins while sending Hughes across home.
Daria Haynie later tallied an RBI sacrifice fly to give Belmont a 4-2 lead heading into the sixth.
The Bruins and Bears were both unable to record a run in the sixth. Belmont maintained a two-point lead moving into the final inning.
Johnson recorded three strikeouts to put MSU away and secure a 4-2 win for the Bruins. The pitcher compiled 10 strikeouts in another impressive bout in the circle to improve to 13-3.
Up Next
The Bruins and Bears will continue series play on Saturday at 2 p.m. CT. Live stats will be available on belmontbruins.com. Live streaming will be available on ESPN+.
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