Baseball, Stellar Pitching Lifts Belmont Past Indiana State

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Game two of the weekend series between Belmont (12-20, 3-5 MVC) and Indiana State (15-15, 5-3 MVC) was a battle on the mound between starters Joe Ruzicka and Ty Brooks. In the combined 13.1 scoreless innings pitched, both pitchers combined for 15 strikeouts and allowed only five hits. The Bruins broke through in the eighth inning, as Ty Allen drove in the game-winning run to give Belmont the 1-0 win and even the series.
 
Joe Ruzicka was the star of the game and had his best performance of the season. The right-hander threw a dominant seven scoreless innings, allowed two hits and walked only three batters. Ruzicka recorded a season-high nine batters and tied a career high set last season. With two outs, pinch hitter Gardner Lawrence drew a walk to put runners on first and second. Michael Lareau followed with a walk to load the bases for pinch hitter Nolan Sergeant. In a full count, Sergeant grounded out to the shortstop up the middle. Morris and Indiana State escaped disaster and moved into the eighth inning still tied.
 
Belmont called upon Ethan Harden in the eighth inning from the bullpen. After surrendering a two-out single, Landon Godsey threw out Carlos Pena at second base for the third out.
 
Pete Daniel got Belmont going in the eighth inning with a leadoff single to center field. Charlies Davis smacked a base knock to right field deep enough for Daniel to advance to third base. The next at-bat, Ty Allen hit a ground ball to the shortstop to score Daniel. Belmont took a 1-0 lead into the final inning.
 
Harden made light work of the Sycamores in the ninth with a 1-2-3 inning and two strikeouts. Belmont won 1-0 and picked up their third win in conference play.
 
Bruin Bullets

• Joe Ruzicka earned a quality start for his seven shutout innings with a season-high nine strikeouts, the most since his career high against Bradley on April 28, 2024.
• Ethan Harden earned his first win of the season. He allowed one hit in two scoreless innings with a pair of strikeouts in the ninth.
• Jake Maddox had another multi-hit performance with a double.
• Ty Allen drove in the game-winning run in the eighth inning.

Belmont and Indiana State conclude their weekend series tomorrow. First pitch from E.S. Rose Park is set for 1 p.m. CT. Fans can watch the action on ESPN+ or listen live on Belmont Bruins Radio with Rich Tiner.
 
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