Early deficit too much to overcome for Blue Raiders

NASHVILLE - Middle Tennessee baseball couldn't overcome three early runs as the Belmont Bruins snatched a 3-1 victory over the Blue Raiders at E.S. Rose Park on Tuesday.

Johnny Thomas' drove in the Blue Raiders (11-10) lone run with an RBI single to left field in the sixth, driving in Ryan Ford. Thomas finished the day 1-for-4.

Third baseman Robert Lawrence reached on base all three times with two walks and a single. Ford finished the day with one hit in four at bats. Ryan Stephens extended his hit streak to 16 games with a single in the top of the second.

The Bruins (14-6) opened the first inning with a run and added two more in the third. Jared Breen scored the first run thanks to a single from Josh Davis. Breen added two more runs with a double in the bottom of the third.

Belmont used a strong six inning performance from starter Dan Ludwig (4-1) to snap a two-game losing skid. The left hander fanned nine Blue Raiders and gave up an earned run on four hits. Belmont held MT hitless in the final three frames as the senior Davis notched his fourth save.

Blue Raider starter Heath Slatton gave up three earned runs on four hits. The Columbia native walked five and struck out four in 84 pitches. Aaron Hyder came in for two innings of work, giving up just one hit in six at bats. Paul Mittura closed the game by fanning three Bruins in two frames.

Middle Tennessee returns to Reese Smith Field on Wednesday when the Raiders host No. 2 Vanderbilt. First pitch is set for 6 p.m.

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