NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Belmont University Softball Program (29-17, 15-9 MVC) earned a series win over Bradley (26-25, 13-11 MVC) after a nine-inning battle.
How it Happened
Both teams put up a strong defensive effort to keep the score at 0-0 at the end of the first.
Abi Ledbetter and
Baie Ensio reached the bases in the bottom of the second off fielder's choices. The runners eventually got out on running plays as Bradley prevented a run for the Bruins. The score remained knotted at zero-all.
Bradley threatened with two runners on base, but the Belmont defense was able to secure a third out to hold the Braves scoreless in the top of the third. The Bruins struggled to get their offense going and remained scoreless heading into the fourth.
The Bruins and Braves continued to battle on the defensive end holding each team without a hit through the fifth inning.
Ensio added a single in the bottom of the sixth but was thrown out advancing to second. The score stayed at 0-0 heading into the seventh.
Neither team was able to record a run in the seventh sending the game to extra innings.
Ledbetter and Ensio continued to step up for the Bruin offense and recorded a pair of singles in the bottom of the eighth. Belmont came up just short of bringing in a run and the teams headed into the ninth inning still at 0-0.
Daria Haynie led off the ninth inning with a single for the Bruins.
Kaley Varner followed with a fielder's choice and
Emma Barnes later walked to put runners on first and second.
Nicole Hughes entered the batter's box and came up with a walk-off for the second game in a row to secure a huge 1-0 victory for Belmont. Sunday's win also clinched the series for the Bruins.
Up Next
Belmont will travel to Drake for the last series of the regular season next weekend. Live stats will be available on belmontbruins.com. Live streaming will be available on ESPN+.
Follow Belmont softball on social media -
@BelmontSoftball on Twitter,
@belmontsoftball on Instagram and
Belmont Bruins Softball on Facebook - for complete coverage of the Bruins. Stay up to date with all of Belmont's athletic programs via the
official app of the Belmont Bruins, available both in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.
#ItsBruinTime
