Robertson has game winning hit as Blue Raiders sweep ULM

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Junior Drew Robertson's single to left field in the bottom of the ninth scored the winning run from second to hand Middle Tennessee a sweep over ULM as it won both games (8-6; 5-4)of the doubleheader on Saturday.

Robertson's hit broke a 4-4 tie in the bottom of the ninth to cap a special game for the Blue Raiders. Senior Rawley Bishop hit a solo shot to left field in the second making him the career home run leader at Middle Tennessee. Josh Pride, who played at Middle Tennessee from 1997-2000, previously held the record at 44.

"It was a great, great weekend winning all three games. This is a game that pitching obviously kept us in the game especially the bullpen. Brett Wilson was roughed up early and we went to the bullpen and the defense backed him up," Peterson said. "Throughout the day it was difficult to put things together but we had a number of big hits at the right time. I have to say congratulations to Rawley (Bishop) for setting the home run record. It couldn't have happened to a better player on the team and he is very deserving."

Middle Tennessee (27-10, 16-5 SBC) ended the game with seven hits which included two doubles and three home runs. Robertson ended the day 2 for 4 with a double while sophomore Bryce Brentz was 2 for 4 with a double, home run and scored the winning run.

ULM (22-16, 11-10) had 10 hits in the game but left nine runners on base while the Blue Raiders left just one.

On the mound, junior Coty Woods picked up the win after allowing no runs or hits in 1.1 innings of work. Junior Nick Montgomery came into the game in the second inning and allowed two runs on five hits in 4.1 innings of work with three strikeouts.

"Nick got through the line-up twice and they started to get to him at the end but overall he did a good job. Jud just made one mistake with the home run and he has a history with that pitch," Peterson said. "Woods had a great day for us on the mound and Brett Smalley looked good in the first game when we brought him in."

Middle Tennessee notched 14 hits in the first game of the doubleheader, four of which were for extra bases. Brentz led the pack as he was 3 for 4 with a home run and two RBI while McDade, Box and Dennis each added assistance with two hits.

On the mound, junior Brett Smalley picked up the win as he worked 1.1 innings in relief allowing no runs on two hits as he improved to 1-1 on the season. Woods picked up his eighth save of the season as he struck out three while allowing no runs or hits in 1.1 innings of work.

Junior Kenneth Roberts received the start but took the no decision as he left in the top of the seventh with the game knotted at 6. Roberts allowed six runs on eight hits in six innings of work.

ULM's Soignier hit a two-run home run to left field in the top of the first to take an early lead. Soignier then had a sacrifice fly in the second making it 3-2 as he drove in all of the Warhawk's runs.

With the Blue Raiders trailing 3-2, Brentz hit a long ball to right field to lead off the third inning to knot the score at 3-3. Meinhart singled to right field allowing Box to score from second putting MT up by one.

The Blue Raiders will be back in action on Tuesday, April 21 when they face Mississippi State in Starkville, Miss., at 6:30 p.m.

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