RENSSELAER, Ind.—The Bellarmine University baseball team split a doubleheader with Great Lakes Valley Conference foe St. Joseph's this afternoon at Gil Hodges Field.
In the nine-inning opening game, the Knights took a 8-7 lead into the bottom of the ninth, but the visitors couldn't record an out as the Pumas scored twice to earn the 9-8 victory. St. Joseph's outhit Bellarmine 18-7 in the game, but the Knights made a game of it thanks to six Puma errors and five walks.
Aaron Deatherage had a solid start for the Knights going five and two-thirds and allowing just two runs, but the Bellarmine bullpen—which has been providing great support—could not stop the St. Joseph attack. Offensively, the Knights were led by Patrick Brady with a pair of hits and Chris Wiedmar, who continued his hot hitting with a double and two RBI.
In game two—scheduled for seven innings—Bellarmine got three runs in the top of the sixth to surge ahead 6-5, then held on to salvage a split in the doubleheader.
The Pumas tried to win their second straight game in their final at-bat, but Bellarmine closer Cory Thomas got out of the inning unscathed after having runners on first and second with just one out. The freshman reliever induced a game-ending double play to record his ninth save of the year.
Bellarmine was led on offense by Marty Roberts and Wiedmar, who both were 2-for-3 in the game.
The Knights, winners of nine of their last 10, move to 24-20 (11-9 GLVC), while the Pumas go to 22-15, 11-9 GLVC. Bellarmine and St. Joseph's are tied for fourth in the GLVC East standings, but both are just one game out of second place.
Bellarmine and St. Joseph's square off again tomorrow for another doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for noon.
