Bellarmine secured an 11-9 victory against Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) in the Atlantic Sun Conference series finale, thanks to a pivotal six-run eighth inning. The Knights took an early lead with two runs in the second and extended it further with a massive home run by AJ Swader. Despite a valiant effort from EKU, including a comeback that tied the game at 5-5, Bellarmine鈥檚 grand slam from Luca Hoerger in the eighth sealed the win.

By the Numbers
  • Bellarmine scored 6 runs in the eighth inning.
  • EKU's Khaleel Pratt hit a grand slam in the eighth, contributing 4 RBIs.
  • Jake Bell's home run was part of an earlier scoring drive that helped Bellarmine lead 5-1.
Yes, But

Despite EKU's strong offensive performance, including multiple home runs, their pitching struggles in critical moments, particularly during the eighth inning, highlighted their challenges in closing out games.

State of Play
  • Bellarmine improves to 16-19 overall and 9-6 in ASUN play.
  • EKU's record stands at 9-27 overall and 4-11 in ASUN play.
What's Next

EKU will host Kentucky State on Tuesday at 6 p.m., looking to bounce back from the recent series defeat and gain momentum moving forward.

Bottom Line

Bellarmine's eighth-inning surge was decisive in a game characterized by offense; EKU must address its late-inning pitching vulnerabilities to improve in future matchups.