Bellarmine baseball secured a 9-6 win over North Alabama on May 3, rallying with four runs in the ninth inning to claim the ASUN Conference series. The Knights tied their program’s Division I-era record for conference wins in a season with this victory.
The game was notable because Bellarmine had not won any games this season when trailing after eight innings. However, the team overcame a 6-5 deficit entering the final frame. Luke Scales gave Bellarmine an early lead with a bases-clearing single in the first inning. After North Alabama responded with a two-run home run, AJ Swader and Eli Watson contributed runs in the third to extend Bellarmine’s advantage.
North Alabama battled back to tie and then take a one-run lead by the seventh inning. In the decisive ninth, Landon Akers was hit by a pitch and Swader singled before an error loaded the bases. Watson then delivered a two-RBI double, putting Bellarmine ahead for good. Scales added another RBI on a fielder’s choice as part of the four-run rally.
Cade Rusch pitched three innings of relief, allowing only one run and striking out four batters to close out the game for Bellarmine. Watson led offensively, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs after driving in five runs during Saturday’s game as well. Swader collected three hits and scored three times while Scales drove in four runs overall.
Chase Chamberlain started on the mound for Bellarmine and struck out seven over four innings, while Chase Carver contributed two scoreless frames from the bullpen.
Bellarmine is scheduled to play Southern Illinois next Tuesday evening in Carbondale.
