NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- In a midweek professional stage at First Horizon Park, Belmont baseball dropped a 9-3 decision to Western Kentucky on Wednesday night. Despite a spirited offensive effort from the top of the order, the Bruins were unable to overcome a decisive middle-inning surge by the Hilltoppers.
The game became out of reach for belmont early due to 2 HBPs by the starter Sam Heyman, which eventually led to two runs being scored in the first. In that same inning, Heyman was subbed out and replaced by Andrew Perry which then led to the definitive turning point of the game. When, Western Kentucky's offense capitalized on a series of free passes and a critical two-out, three-run home run by L. Arroyos. The blast extended a manageable 2-0 lead into a 5-0 cushion, shifting the momentum entirely toward the Hilltoppers and forcing the Bruins to play from behind for the remainder of the evening.
Belmont's offense was sparked by the consistent play of senior Charlie Davis, who finished the night 2-for-3 with a triple in the bottom of the first and a run scored later in the game. Cavan McMeans also provided a spark, recording a double as part of a multi-hit performance.
The Bruins found the scoreboard in the bottom of the sixth inning when Mike Sprockett was hit by a pitch. Belmont added further pressure in the late innings, including an RBI sktrikeout but reached first base by Nicholas Stinson, but the early deficit proved too steep to climb.
On the mound, the Bruins utilized a staff-heavy approach. Cole Kenyon provided a steadying presence in relief, tossing 2.1 innings of one-hit baseball while striking out three Hilltoppers to keep the game within reach during the middle frames. Zane Brown and Brooks McDonnough also contributed scoreless appearances out of the bullpen to close out the contest.
Belmont Leaders:
Up Next
Belmont begins their MVC Regular season play and will travel to Normal, IL to play Illinois State in a 3 game weekend series. First pitch is set for 5:00 on Friday, March 20 from Duffy Bass Field.
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