The Belmont University Softball team secured a series win over Illinois State after two consecutive extra-inning victories, according to an April 18 announcement. The games were held at E.S. Rose Park in Nashville, with Belmont improving its record to 33–10 overall and 19–4 in the Missouri Valley Conference.
The outcome is significant for Belmont as it strengthens the team’s position within conference play and highlights their ability to perform under pressure during close contests.
In the opening game of the series, Illinois State took an early lead with a solo home run and added another run in the fourth inning. Belmont responded with an RBI single but ultimately fell short, losing 2-1. Pitcher (21–2) pitched a complete game, allowing two runs on eight hits and striking out eight batters.
Game two saw Belmont rally from a two-run deficit. A crucial two-RBI double tied the score before the Bruins clinched a walk-off victory in the ninth inning on a wild pitch, ending with a final score of 3-2. Relief pitcher (4–5) earned the win by delivering 3.2 scoreless innings.
The third game was another close contest that went into extra innings. After trailing by two runs, Belmont surged ahead in the fourth inning thanks to multiple RBI hits and capitalized on errors by Illinois State for additional runs. The Redbirds tied it up again late, but Belmont secured victory with an RBI single in the eighth inning for a final score of 5-4. Pitcher (22–2) struck out ten batters over eight innings to earn her twenty-second win of the season.
Following this series win, Belmont will travel for their next conference matchup against Northern Iowa beginning Friday.
