LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Bellarmine University baseball team used a big offensive performance and a comeback to defeat Butler 17-10 Tuesday afternoon at Knights Field.
After jumping out to a 1-0 lead in the first, Bellarmine fell behind early as Butler scored seven runs through the first four innings of play. The Knights answered in the bottom of the fourth with a five-run inning to cut the deficit to one, highlighted by timely hitting throughout the lineup as Bellarmine began to swing momentum back in its favor.
The offense stayed hot the rest of the game, finishing with 19 hits. AJ Swader led the charge with two home runs and six RBIs, including a go-ahead blast that helped put Bellarmine in front for good. Several Knights also contributed strong performances at the plate, including Cole Huett, who collected four hits and two RBIs, and Landon Akers, who added three hits and an RBI. Bellarmine continued to add insurance with multi-run innings in the sixth, seventh and eighth to pull away.
On the mound, Nikau Heeney earned the win with two scoreless innings of relief, allowing just one hit while stabilizing the game during the middle frames. Presley Monteforte also delivered a strong outing out of the bullpen, striking out three batters across two innings while allowing just one run.
Bellarmine's offense and bullpen combined to complete the comeback as the Knights secured the 17-10 victory at Knights Field for the home opener.
The Knights will open ASUN Conference play this weekend at Knights Field, hosting Austin Peay State for a three-game series beginning Friday. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1 p.m. Sunday.
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