NASHVILLE, Tenn. - - Belmont (24-26, 11-12 MVC) and Missouri State (19-31, 8-15) faced off in Game Two of their weekend series Saturday afternoon. Early scoring and a three-run fourth inning lifted the Bruins to a 6-3 series-clinching victory over the Bears.
Bruin Bullets
- Michael Lareau went 2-for-3 with a home run, two runs, three RBIs and a stolen base.
- Pete Daniel went 2-for-3 with two runs and homered.
- Sam Slaughter doubled.
- Joe Ruzicka improved to 4-4 on the season behind his seven innings of work. He allowed two runs, one earned, and struck out four batters.
- Jordan Zuger pitched two innings and allowed on run on two hits. He struck out a pair of Bears in eight batters faced.
Belmont scored first in the ballgame.
Sam Slaughter led off the inning with a double to right field.
Jack Rando drove Slaughter in on an RBI single up the middle. Belmont took an early 1-0 lead.
Missouri State tied the game on Dylan Leach's leadoff solo home run in the top of the second inning.
The Bruins responded with a run of their own in the home half. Following a double play,
Pete Daniel hit a solo home run to right-center field. Belmont led 2-1 after two innings of play.
The Bruins scored three runs on two hits and one error in the fourth. The Bruins had runners on second and third with one out.
Michael Lareau singled to left field and scored
Blake Barton and
Landon Godsey.
Pete Daniel singled to left field and Lareau scored on a fielding error by Taeg Gollert. Belmont led 5-1.
Missouri State had an opportunity to make a significant comeback in the sixth inning. The Bears had the bases loaded with one out.
Joe Ruzicka struck out Leach for the second out. Zach Stewart was hit by the first pitch of his at-bat which brought home an unearned run. Logan Chambers grounded out to end the inning. Missouri State scored one run and trailed 5-2.
Belmont benefited from Lareau's hot bat in the sixth inning. The center fielder launched a 438-foot solo home run to right field. Belmont went back in front by four, 6-2.
The Bears scored their final run of the game in the eighth inning.
Jordan Zuger replaced Ruzicka to start the inning and surrendered a leadoff solo home run to Nick Rodriguez. Zuger didn't allow another run after that and only one hit. The right-hander struck out two batters as Belmont picked up the 6-3 win.
Belmont and Missouri State wrap up their series on Sunday, May 12 at E.S. Rose Park. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. The Bruins will honor their seniors during the pregame Senior Day festivities. Fans can stream the game on ESPN+, listen live on iHeartRadio or follow along with live stats.
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