By Rickey Fuquay, Jr.//Contributing Writer
NASHVILLE – Middle Tennessee used an efficient offensive performance to escape past Belmont 6-5 Wednesday night at Rose Park.
Samantha Nieves led the way on offense as she went a perfect 3-for-3 on the night with two RBI. Lauren Riddell also went perfect on the night, going 2-for-2. Cor’Nisha Birdsong, Alma Cortez, Randi Cookus and Kiarra Freeman each tallied a hit in the contest.
The Blue Raiders (13-17) got off to an early 2-0 advantage, however, the Bruins (9-20) answered right back with two runs of their own to tie the game at two apiece in the third inning.
MTSU broke through with four runs on the strength of five hits to take a 6-2 lead in the sixth. The Blue Raiders’ lead was chipped away as the Bruins broke through with three runs to cut the deficit to one, but it was not enough. MTSU managed to hold on for the 6-5 win, breaking a three-game losing skid.
Pitcher Caitlin McClure improved to 4-4 on the year, allowing three runs on seven hits in three full innings of relief.
Starter Kelci Cheney got the nod on the mound and allowed four runs on two hits in 2.2 innings of work. Pitcher Megan Chocallo recorded her first save of the year, allowing zero runs on one hit in 1.1 inning.
Katie Clancy fell to 1-3 on the year after getting the start for the Bruins. She allowed four runs on seven hits in four innings in he circle.
The Blue Raiders’ offense was effective Wednesday night, scoring a run in five of the seven innings.
The Blue Raiders will now look to turn their Conference USA struggles around when they travel to Charlotte to face off against the Charlotte 49ers in a three-game series The series starts Friday with a doubleheader scheduled to start at 2 p.m. CST, with the second game 30 minutes afterwards.
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