Softball Falls in Series Finale to Drake

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - - Despite showcasing balanced hitting throughout the lineup, Belmont University Softball dropped an 8-4 decision to Drake Sunday from E.S. Rose Park in the weekend series finale.
 
As starting pitcher Emma Summers kept Drake scoreless in the first two innings, Belmont had scoring chances in each of the first two frames but could not push runners across.
 
After Summers worked out of a jam in the top of the third inning – striking out Emma Dighton to retire the side – Belmont got on the scoreboard.
 
After Abi Ledbetter earned a leadoff walk, Emily Cockrill ripped an RBI double to left center to give the Bruins a 1-0 lead.
 
Following a Brenna Blume walk, Kristen Green added an RBI double of her own to extend the lead to 2-0.
 
Kylie Cunningham kept Belmont runners moving with a Bulldog fielding error, as Green scored to cap the three-run inning.
 
Drake would score two unearned runs with two outs in the top of the fourth to change momentum of the game.
 
Summers appeared to get out of a bit of bother in the top of the fifth, but a Bruin fielding error enabled Emily Valtman to score and tie the game, 3-3.
 
Green and Kathryn Flowers registered consecutive base hits for Belmont in the bottom of the fifth inning, but another opportunity with runners in scoring position went by the boards.
 
As Summers battled, Drake finally got something going in the sixth inning, sending nine players to the plate as part of a five-run frame.
 
And while Ellie Giles provided quality relief with four recorded outs, Dighton limited a Belmont rally to one run in the bottom of the sixth inning.
 
Ledbetter reached base three times, with Cockrill, Blume and Green all reaching base twice.
 
Belmont (24-23) returns to game action Friday at Bradley.