NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Belmont University Softball Program (14-7, 0-0 MVC) started the weekend 2-0 after sweeping the doubleheader against Robert Morris (4-8, 0-0 Horizon) Saturday afternoon. The Bruins continue to put together strong, all-around performances on both defense and offense.
Game 1 (5-4)
Belmont got on the board early with three runs in the bottom of the first. The early run by the Bruins featured a 2 RBI single from
Emily Cockrill and an RBI from
Lauren Luciani.
Rayna Cruickshanks got the start for the Bruins in the circle and caught three-straight batters swinging in the top of the second. Belmont headed into the third up 3-0.
Robert Morris recorded their first run of the day in the top of the third to cut the lead at 3-1 heading into the fourth.
The Colonials tied the game at 3-3 in the top of the fourth. The Bruins responded with a run in the bottom of the inning to reclaim the lead 4-3 off an RBI sacrifice fly from
Nicole Hughes.
RMU went on to tie the game again in the top of the fifth leaving the game knotted at 4-4 heading into the sixth.
Maya Johnson entered the game and quickly caught three batters swinging to keep the game at four all heading into the seventh.
Lucianai led off the seventh with a single through the right side.
Baie Ensio later added a bunt as runners advanced to second and third.
Maddy Balsiger stepped up and recorded her first collegiate walk-off to give the Bruins a 5-4 win over the Colonials in game one.
Game 2 (8-0, 5 inn.)
Johnson continued her impressive performance in the circle on Saturday with two strikeouts in the top of the first.
Nicole Hughes added a single in the bottom of the inning, but was unable to reach home leaving the score at zeros.
Neither team was able to score in the second as the game remained knotted at 0-0 heading into the third.
The Bruin bats heated up in the bottom of the third. E. Cockrill got things started with an RBI single through the left side.
Indy Cockrill and Hughes each added an RBI later in the inning to extend the Bruins' lead to 6-0 heading into the fourth.
Belmont's defense continued to apply pressure to maintain a six-point lead heading into the fifth.
Ellie Giles and the Bruin defense forced the Colonials to a three up, three down fifth inning. Hughes stepped up to the plate and drove in a walk-off 2 RBI double to secure an 8-0 win for Belmont in just five innings.
The Bruins continue weekend play in a doubleheader against Brown on Sunday starting at 12 p.m. CT. Follow live stats on belmontbruins.com and watch live on ESPN+.
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