CLERMONT, Fla. -- The Bellevue University softball team surrendered three runs in the third inning as the University of Northwestern Ohio held on for a 3-1 victory in BU's first contest at THE Spring Games on Sunday at Hancock Field.
The loss evened the Bruins' record to 4-4 on the season. The Racers improved to 5-5 overall.
An infield RBI single by Sami Reding scored Alyssa Morbach from third, giving the Bruins a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning.
The Racers responded in the bottom of the third inning, scoring on a sacrifice fly to left field by Anna Ankney and on a bases-loaded wild pitch and a fielding error to grab a 3-1 advantage.
After Emma Crisman fouled out to the catcher to start the fourth inning, UNOH starter Carlie Hanes gave up three-straight walks to load the bases. Hanes got out of the jam as Madison Machacek grounded into a double play to keep the score at 3-1.
The Bruins threatened in the top of the seventh with runners on first and second and one out, but once again, Hanes got out of the jam by inducing a double play on a line out to Ashley Young to end the contest.
Katie Cunningham suffered the loss, falling to 2-2 on the season after giving up three runs on two hits with four walks and three strikeouts in three innings in the circle. Cory Carrillo came on in relief, allowing just two hits with no walks and five K's in the final three innings.
Hanes improved to 4-1 on the season, scattering two hits with five walks and six strikeouts in seven complete innings of work.
The Bruins return to action in THE Spring Games on Monday (Mar. 6) with they battle Carlow University at 8 a.m. (CT) and Calumet College of St. Joseph at 10:30 a.m.
