NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Bellarmine University baseball team scored six runs in the ninth inning to run away from Lipscomb for a 15-8 victory Saturday in the second game of an Atlantic Sun Conference series at Dugan Field.
Bellarmine (8-42, 7-19 ASUN) forced a rubber game against Lipscomb (20-29, 14-12) after pounding out 16 hits and scoring three runs or more in three separate innings. The Knights piled up 11 of their season-high 15 runs over the final three frames.
Backed by an effective start from senior left-hander Thomas Sylvester, who allowed only one run in 4.0 innings pitched, Bellarmine took a 4-1 lead. A three-run second inning was highlighted by a tape-measure two-run homer by junior catcher Matt Flahertyhis fourth of the season.
After Lipscomb got within 4-3, Bellarmine racked up four runs in the seventh, all with two outs. Sophomore left fielder Joey Milto drew a bases-loaded walk, senior center fielder Will Aubel had an electrifying steal of home for his 20th theft of the season, and junior right fielder Jake Agarwal clubbed a two-run double for an 8-3 advantage.
After Lipscomb responded with a three-run homer in the bottom half to cut his deficit to 8-6, Bellarmine got one back in the eighth on an RBI single by junior first baseman Casey Sorg. The Bisons then plated a run in the bottom half to trail 9-7.
Bellarmine ended the thriller element of the game in the ninth by exploding for six more runs. Senior designated hitter Davis Crane slapped an RBI single, and sophomore catcher Charlie Rife followed with one of his own.
A hard-hit ground ball by Aubel was misplayed as a run scored before Sorg swatted a two-run two-bagger down the line. Junior second baseman Andres Castro then made it two straight doubles to cap the scoring.
Aubel, Sorg, Milto, Agarwal, Crane and sophomore shortstop Zach Jones tallied two hits a piece. Senior right-hander Ross Goldschlag struck out the side in the ninth and fanned five in only 2.0 innings, while sophomore right-hander Holden Groher secured his first win in a Knights uniform after logging 3.0 innings.
The series finale is scheduled for 2 pm (ET) Sunday.
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