The Belmont University baseball team lost its third straight game on May 10, falling to Southern Illinois Salukis, 13-4, in the series finale at E.S. Rose Park as the Bruins celebrated Senior Day and honored nine seniors.
With this result, Belmont was officially eliminated from Missouri Valley Conference Tournament contention. The defeat marked an emotional end to the Bruins’ final home game of the season.
Before the first pitch, Belmont recognized nine seniors for their contributions to both the program and university. The senior class helped lead the Bruins through memorable moments during their careers while continuing to build the culture of Belmont Baseball both on and off the field.
Senior Charlie Davis opened scoring with a solo home run in the first inning, giving Belmont an early lead. Southern Illinois responded with a solo homer by Tim Simay in the second inning but Belmont regained its advantage in the third when Landon Godsey doubled and later scored on an RBI groundout by Mike Sprockett.
Belmont starter Ridge Harvey held Southern Illinois to one run through four innings before a decisive fifth inning saw Southern Illinois score nine runs on eight hits, including RBI doubles from Jacob McKenzie and Cecil Lofton, a two-run single from Kye Watson, and a two-run homer by Julio Guerrero that put them ahead 10-2. Despite trailing by a wide margin, Belmont added runs with JD Whitworth scoring in the fifth and Godsey delivering another RBI double in the seventh.
Godsey finished 3-for-5 with two doubles and an RBI. Davis had a home run along with two runs scored and one RBI; Sprockett drove in two runs for Belmont. Southern Illinois collected 19 hits overall as Lofton tallied three RBIs and Guerrero contributed his fifth-inning home run.
With four games left this season, Belmont holds a record of 20-32 overall and is 9-12 in Missouri Valley Conference play. Although missing out on postseason play was disappointing for players and fans alike, Sunday’s game served as recognition for graduating seniors whose leadership has shaped team culture during their time at Belmont.
