NASHVILLE, Tenn. --Â Belmont Baseball dropped a midweek matchup to Vanderbilt, 11-3, Tuesday evening at Hawkins Field, as a big early inning from the Commodores proved too much to overcome.
The Bruins showed flashes offensively, tallying seven hits on the night, but Vanderbilt capitalized on early opportunities and defensive miscues to build a commanding lead they would not relinquish.
Vanderbilt seized control in the bottom of the second inning, plating four runs on four hits while taking advantage of a Belmont error. The Commodores strung together timely hits, including RBI singles from Tommy Goodin and Brodie Johnston, to jump out to a 4-0 lead.
Belmont answered in the fourth inning when Charlie Davis sparked the offense with a double down the right field line. Two batters later, Cavan McMeans delivered an RBI single up the middle to cut the deficit to 4-1. However, Vanderbilt responded immediately in the bottom half of the inning, adding three more runs behind extra-base hits from Logan Johnstone and Goodin, along with a sacrifice fly from Johnston to stretch the lead to 7-1.
The Bruins continued to battle, adding a run in the sixth inning. Davis again ignited the rally with his second double of the night before Jake Maddox drove him in with an RBI double to left, making it 7-2.
Vanderbilt extended its advantage in the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings, highlighted by a solo home run from Mack Whitcomb in the seventh and capitalizing on additional Belmont errors and wild pitches. Belmont added its final run in the ninth inning when Maddox reached on an error and later scored on a groundout by Mike Sprockett, but the late push was not enough to close the gap.
Davis led the Bruins offensively, going 2-for-4 with two doubles and two runs scored, while Maddox added a double and an RBI. Brady Holbrook also contributed with a pair of hits.
On the mound, Andrew Perry (0-4) took the loss after allowing four runs in 1.2 innings of work. Belmont used six relievers throughout the game, combining for 11 strikeouts but also issuing six walks and committing four errors defensively.
Vanderbilt starter Connor Hamilton was dominant, tossing a complete game while striking out 11 and allowing just three runs (two earned) on seven hits without issuing a walk.
Up Next
Belmont will look to bounce back as they return to conference play this weekend against Murray St. in Murray, KY. First Pitch will be Thursday April 2, at 5:00 PM from Johnny Dugan Field.
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