Bellarmine baseball secured a 9-6 win over North Alabama on May 3, scoring four runs in the ninth inning to clinch the ASUN Conference series. The victory ties Bellarmine’s Division I-era record for conference wins in a season.
The game was significant as Bellarmine had not won any games this season when trailing after eight innings. Entering the ninth down by one run, the Knights managed their most productive offensive inning of the year to complete a comeback against North Alabama, who currently leads the ASUN Gold Division.
Luke Scales gave Bellarmine an early lead with a bases-clearing single in the first inning. After North Alabama responded with a two-run home run, AJ Swader and Eli Watson helped extend Bellarmine’s advantage to 5-2 in the third. North Alabama tied it up with three runs in the fourth and took a one-run lead into the final frame.
In the decisive ninth inning, Landon Akers was hit by a pitch and Swader singled before an error loaded the bases. Watson then delivered a two-RBI double to put Bellarmine ahead. Scales added another RBI on a fielder’s choice, and an additional run scored later in the inning for insurance.
Cade Rusch pitched three innings of relief, allowing just one run and striking out four batters to close out the win. Watson led offensively with three hits and three RBIs on Sunday following his five-RBI performance Saturday. Swader contributed three hits and scored three times while Scales drove in four runs as part of Bellarmine’s twelve-hit effort.
Chase Chamberlain started for Bellarmine, recording seven strikeouts over four innings, while Chase Carver provided two scoreless frames from the bullpen.
Bellarmine is scheduled to play Southern Illinois next Tuesday evening.
