NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Belmont delivered one of its most complete offensive performances of the season Tuesday afternoon, using timely hitting and a five-home run outburst to power past UT Martin.
In a game that featured multiple momentum swings, the Bruins ultimately seized control with two explosive innings and never looked back, finishing with 12 hits and contributions throughout the lineup.
UT Martin opened the scoring in the second inning, taking advantage of a two-out rally. After a single from JT Popick, Eli Huebner lined an RBI double into right field to give the Skyhawks a 1-0 lead. A Belmont error extended the inning, but the Bruins limited the damage to just one run.
Belmont wasted no time responding in the bottom half, delivering a statement inning that flipped the game. Michael Lareau ignited the offense with a solo home run to tie the game, and two batters later, Charlie Davis launched a go-ahead homer to put the Bruins in front. After a walk to Landon Godsey, Brady Holbrook stepped in and crushed a two-run home run, capping a four-run inning that gave Belmont a 4-1 advantage and energized the home dugout.
UT Martin answered right back in the third inning, showing resilience. Colten Payton worked a walk to extend the frame, bringing up TJ Dunsford, who turned on a pitch and drove it out for a two-run homer, cutting the deficit to 4-3. The Skyhawks continued to apply pressure, but Belmont starter Jonathon Van Ness worked out of the inning to preserve the narrow lead.
The Bruins threatened again in the third after Jake Maddox singled, but UT Martin turned a key double play to halt the momentum and keep the game within reach.
After a scoreless fourth inning, UT Martin found the equalizer in the fifth. Dunsford struck again, leading off the inning with his second home run of the game, a solo shot that tied the score at 4-4 and shifted the pressure back onto Belmont.
The bottom of the fifth inning proved to be the decisive stretch of the game. With the score tied, Belmont's offense erupted once more. Mike Sprockett led off the inning with a towering solo home run to give the Bruins a 5-4 lead. Moments later, Jake Maddox followed with another solo blast, extending the advantage to 6-4 and putting UT Martin on its heels.
Belmont continued to capitalize as Nate Webb drew a walk and Lareau followed with another free pass. A defensive error by UT Martin allowed both runners to advance into scoring position, setting up Charlie Davis, who delivered a sacrifice fly to bring in a run. Landon Godsey added an RBI single later in the inning, plating another unearned run and capping a four-run frame that gave Belmont an 8-4 cushion.
On the mound, Andrew Perry took over in the fourth inning and provided a steady presence. The right-hander worked three innings, allowing just two runs while inducing key ground balls, including a double play in the sixth that helped neutralize a potential rally.
UT Martin made one final push in the sixth inning. After a walk and a double from Garner Anderson, the Skyhawks cut the deficit to 8-5, but Belmont's defense responded. A well-executed double play earlier in the inning and a routine flyout to end it prevented any further damage and secured the Bruins' lead.
Offensively, Belmont's depth was on full display. Holbrook led the way with two hits and two RBIs, while Sprockett and Maddox each delivered critical home runs during the decisive fifth inning. Lareau added a home run, two runs scored, and reached base multiple times, and Davis finished with a home run and two RBIs, including a key sacrifice fly.
Cavan McMeans added two hits at the top of the order, helping set the tone for a lineup that consistently applied pressure. Belmont also showed patience at the plate, drawing five walks and forcing UT Martin into defensive mistakes that proved costly.
Van Ness earned the win for the Bruins, allowing three runs over three innings of work, while Perry closed out the final three innings.
The game was called following the sixth inning due to lightning in the area, with Belmont securing the 8-5 victory.
Up Next
??????Belmont will play against Bradley for a important weekend series as the playoffs loom and Bruins are in the hunt to get in the top six. First Pitch is set for 4:00 PM on Friday afternoon.
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