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February 23, 2008
Blue Raiders Bash Belmont 12-1
Improve to 2-0 in Middle Tennessee Classic
David Powell

Junior Justine Cerda went 3-for-3 with homerun, three RBI and two runs scored in the win (MT) Send this photo to your mobile phone!


MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Justine Cerda went three-for-three with a home run and three RBI as the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (3-7, 0-0) used a seven run inning to crush the Belmont Bruins (3-6, 0-0) in the Middle Tennessee Classic at Blue Raider Field on Saturday night, 12-1.

The Blue Raiders were coming off a decisive 5-1 victory over UT Martin earlier in the day on Saturday. Lindsey Vander Lugt threw six strikeouts and scattered seven hits in the win.

Starter Kellie Head (2-3) picked up the win for Middle Tennessee. The Sophomore gave up just one run on four hits while striking out two and walking one in the complete game.

Julie Harmon (0-1) got the loss for the Bruins. She gave up 10 runs on nine hits while striking out one and walking four in 4.1 innings.

Heather Grossnickle worked the final 1.2 innings for Belmont, giving up two runs on two hits and striking out two.

Middle Tennessee, playing the part of the visitors on their home field, opened the scoring in the top of the 1st inning. Corrie Abel smacked an RBI double to left center field, driving in Caitlin McLure and giving the Blue Raiders a 1-0 advantage.

Abel went 3-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored for the Middle Tennessee.

Belmont tied the game at a run apiece in bottom of the 2nd inning when rightfielder Elly Bennett triple to the gap in right field, scoring Sara Bentley.

The Blue Raiders immediately responded in the next inning as Justine Cerda blasted a solo shot that just missed the scoreboard in deep centerfield to give MT a 2-1 lead.

Middle Tennessee further increased their advantage in the top of the 4th inning when Martha Davis scored Abel on a sacrifice fly to centerfield. The Blue Raiders were not done there as Cerda was on hand to provide more offense. The junior smashed a single down the left field line, driving in Whittney Padgett and Katie Mielke to give MT a 5-1 lead.

Little did the 204 fans in attendance know, the fireworks were just getting started.

Martha Davis was hit by a pitch to open the 6th inning before Cerda singled through the left side, advancing Davis to second base. Davis scored after two straight wild pitches before McLure was hit by another pitch to put runners on the corners.

Another wild pitch scored Cerda before Ashley Cline doubled through the right side, plating McLure and giving the Blue Raiders a 9-1 advantage. Brittney Banania nailed and RBI single and Abel was on hand to provide a highlight-reel RBI triple further pushing the lead to 11-1.

Pinch runner Kandra Singleton closed out the scoring, crossing the plate from first base on a wild pitch and an error.

The Skyhawks were unable to bring the deficit within seven runs as the Blue Raiders won the game on Run Rule, 12-1.

The Blue Raiders return to action at Middle Tennessee Classic against Southern Illinois at 11 AM on Sunday.


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