OMAHA, Neb. -- A seven-run fourth inning proved to be too much to overcome as the No. 15-ranked Bellevue University baseball team dropped a 10-7 decision to Briar Cliff University in non-conference action on Tuesday evening.
The Chargers moved a game above .500, improving to 3-2, while Bellevue slipped to 2-6.
Both teams employed a staff approach to pitching, running five pitchers apiece out onto the mound.
Bruin started Parker McMan and first man out the bullpen Jace Wessels matched BCU starter Nick Hays in the early going as just two hits were recorded over the first three innings.
The Chargers broke through with a seven-run fourth inning, scoring six two-out runs off Kody Butt (1-2) and Jared Eifler.
Jordan Brandenburg put the Bruins on the board in the home half of the fourth with an RBI single.
Rance Bryant elevated a solo shot to center in the sixth and Nico Sail chased in Cam Riemer with a single later in the frame as Briar Cliff extended their lead to 9-1.
A sac fly from Steven Elsner in the sixth and a Jake Lacey fielder's choice combined with a throwing error in the seventh saw Bellevue move the deficit to 9-3.
Sail took an opposite field drive inside the left field foul pole to get that run back in the eighth.
Elijah Tanner wore a bases loaded hit by pitch to chase a run in and Nolan Walther reached on a fielder error that allowed another run to trot in and BU looked to be in business. The Bruins threatened to cut further into the lead with the bases loaded and one out but a sharpy hit ground ball from CJ Townsend to shortstop Diego Trujillo for an inning-ending double play.
Bellevue shaved two more runs off the lead in the ninth courtesy of a two-run moonshot from Elsner but Johnny Reed got a ground ball for the third out to end the game.
Hays (1-0) earned the win in the designated staff game, allowing two hits in three scoreless innings of work.
The Bruins return home tomorrow for their final game before their annual Florida trip, a 2 p.m. first pitch against Hastings College from John Stella Field at Brown Park.
