BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Belmont University Softball Program (7-5, 0-0 MVC) picked up two wins to begin tournament play. The Bruins claimed an 8-4 win over Southern Indiana (1-6, 0-0 OVC) before topping Samford (7-4, 0-0 Southern) 3-1 to end the day.
vs USI (8-4)
Rayna Cruickshanks got the start for the Bruins in the circle and recorded a strikeout to keep USI scoreless in the first.
Rylee Spindler stepped up to the plate and drove in an RBI single to put Belmont on the board. To extend the Bruins lead,
Grace Gressly added an RBI single leaving the score at 2-0 heading into the second.
Neither team was able to bring in a run in the second.
The Screaming Eagles recorded a home run to bring the game within one heading into the bottom of the third. The Bruins responded with two more runs sparked by another RBI single from Spindler. Belmont left the third up 4-1.
USI added another home run to make the score 4-2 in the top of the fourth. Belmont scored off an RBI from
Emily Cockrill to keep the Screaming Eagles at a distance at 5-2 heading into the fifth.
The Bruins forced the Screaming Eagles to a three up, three down fifth inning. The Belmont bats continued to stay hot as
Emma Barnes and
Baie Ensio each recorded RBI singles to extend the lead at 8-2 after five innings.
Both teams saw a scoreless sixth inning.
USI added two runs in a late attempt to come back, but Belmont recorded the final out to take the 8-4 win.
vs Samford (3-1)
Belmont got two runners on base after being walked in the top of the first. Despite reaching base, the Bruins were unable to bring in a run leaving the score at 0-0 heading into the second.
Addison Swink made her first appearance of the weekend and recorded an RBI sacrifice fly to give the Bruins an early 1-0 lead.
Spindler added a triple in the top of the third but was unable to reach home.
Maya Johnson continued to heat up in the circle as she struck out three straight batters in the bottom of the third.
Maddy Balsiger recorded her first-career home run to extend Belmont's lead to 2-0 at the end of the fourth.
Spindler continued to have an impressive day as she drove in an RBI double leaving the score at 3-0 heading into the sixth.
Neither team scored a run in the sixth.
Samford brought in a run late in the seventh, but were unable to work their way back in. The Bruins would top the Bulldogs 3-1 to finish day one of the Green and Gold Classic.
Belmont returns to action on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT against Purdue. Follow live stats on belmontbruins.com.
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