Blue Raiders fall to Belmont

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Big innings caught up with the Middle Tennessee baseball team on Tuesday as the Blue Raiders fell 20-5 to in-state foe Belmont at E.S. Rose Park in Nashville, Tenn.

Justin Guidry and Trent Miller led the way for a Blue Raider offense that was out-hit 11-9 on the day. Guidry recorded a pair of hits, including a home run to right in the seventh inning, and two runs batted in. Miller homered as well, and ended the day 1-for-3 with two runs scored.

Jordan Cooper pitched an inning-plus, allowing six runs on two hits and a pair of walks to pick up his first career loss. Eight other Blue Raiders saw action on the mound, including Aaron Hyder, who made his collegiate debut, allowing one run in 0.1 innings pitched.

Cody Tollison recorded the final four outs for MT, allowing one run on one hit.

After Belmont struck for a run in the first, the Blue Raiders rallied for a run in the top of the second. Miller reached and moved to third on a pair of Bruin errors before scoring on a Hank LaRue sacrifice fly to the warning track in left field.

LaRue finished 2-for-2 with a run batted in.

Belmont responded by sending 10 hitters to the plate and scoring seven to take an 8-1 lead. The Bruins would score in each of the ensuing three innings, running up a 15-1 advantage prior to Miller's solo shot to left in the sixth.

The Bruins added four more in the seventh, and another in the eighth.

Adam Perry, Connor Tracy and Austin Bryant each recorded their first career hit in the eighth, with both Perry and Tracy scoring on groundouts by Guidry and Andrew Cash.

The Blue Raiders will look to rebound with their first conference series this against Western Kentucky. First pitch on Friday at Reese Smith Jr. Field is set for 6 p.m.

Follow the Blue Raiders on Twitter @MTAthletics for continued updates.