Jackson, Miss. — Belhaven’s softball team dropped a 3-1 decision to Millsaps on Tuesday night at McLeod Field. The Blazers now hold a 5-4 record this season.
Both teams were scoreless through the first three innings as pitchers dominated early. Millsaps threatened in the opening frame after a hit batter, but Belhaven erased the runner with a caught stealing and a groundout to keep the game tied at zero.
In the second inning, Belhaven put together its first scoring chance. Maryanna Guy doubled down the left field line, and Liberty Gillihan drew a walk. However, a fielder’s choice erased the lead runner at third base, and the Blazers failed to capitalize.
Grace Langston sparked the offense in the third with a single up the middle and a stolen base. After advancing to third on a groundout, Belhaven again came up short as a lineout ended the inning.
The game shifted in the fourth inning when Millsaps opened with three consecutive singles. Following a pitching change, a sacrifice fly scored a run, and a throwing error allowed two more runs, all unearned, to give the visitors a 3-0 lead.
Belhaven had scoring opportunities in the later innings. Ellie Williamson singled in the fourth, and in the fifth, Emma Moore drew a walk while Langston added a single, putting two runners on with one out. Millsaps escaped the jam with a pop-up and a fielder’s choice.
Relief pitcher AR Sharp kept the Blazers in the game, tossing four innings, allowing only one hit, striking out five. She worked out of a fifth-inning jam after a leadoff error and stolen base and retired three straight batters in the seventh to keep the deficit at three.
Belhaven finally broke through in the bottom of the seventh. After two quick outs, Melissa Lopera hit a solo home run to left field, making the score 3-1. Reagan Bryan drew a walk, putting the tying run on base, but a flyout to center ended the game.
Both teams finished with five hits. Belhaven committed two errors, while Millsaps had none. Lopera’s home run led the offensive effort, and Langston added two hits and a stolen base.
The Blazers will look to rebound next week at the NFCA Division III Leadoff Classic in Columbus, Georgia. Fans can follow updates on @BelhavenBlazers on Twitter and Instagram or like the team on Facebook. Support for Belhaven Athletics is available through Team Green Giving.
