Box Score (PDF)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Evansville baseball team (6-6) received two hits each from outfielder Jarod Perry and infielder Jonathan Ramon but the Purple Aces left a total of 10 men on base in a 5-1 road loss at Belmont on Wednesday.
 
"I feel like just got outplayed in all three facets today," said Evansville head coach Wes Carroll. "Our offense is in a major rut right now that we need to pick ourselves out of. We really need some leadership and someone to step up and provide the big hit when we need it."
 
In the first inning, Evansville had a lead-off hit by pitch from Perry but Belmont starter Dom Veltri retired the next three hitters to leave the runner stranded. The hit by pitch was the 10^th this season for Perry, second most in the country.
 
UE fell behind in the second inning. After a scoreless bottom of the first from starter Ryan Billo, the right-hander was greeted with back to back doubles for a 1-0 deficit. The Bruins added another run in the next inning when catcher Alec Diamond reached on a single, stole second, advanced to third on a groundout and scored on a passed ball.
 
The game was stalled momentarily in the top of the fourth inning when Belmont removed Veltri from the mound, moving him to the designated hitter spot in the lineup. The umpires huddled for a bit and consulted the rule book before allowing the move.
 
Ahead 2-0, Belmont extended the lead with another set of doubles in the fourth. UE had the leadoff runner aboard in four of the first six innings but were unable to plate their first run until the ninth. After Belmont scored in the seventh and eighth innings, UE trailed 5-0 into their last at-bat. Shortstop Shain Showers singled to center field to start the inning, moved to second on a groundout and scored on a fielding error from first baseman Drake Byrd. The score ended a streak of 18 consecutive scoreless innings for UE.
 
Ramon reached base in all four plate appearances, collecting two hits. The junior extended his hitting streak to a career-best nine straight games. Infielder Boomer Synek was 0-for-4 in the game, ending his streak of reaching base safely in 32 straight games . The last time Synek did not reach base was on April 13, 2014 against Wichita State.
 
Billo (0-1) took the loss, going 4.0 innings and yielding three runs (two earned). Relievers Conor Gilligan and Patrick Schnieders each threw 1.0 scoreless innings.
 
"Even though there were 10 on base tonight and it is unacceptable," added Carroll. "We have to right the ship going into a weekend against a tough opponent in Ohio State."
 
The UE-Ohio State three-game series begins on Friday, March 13 at 4:05 p.m. CDT. UE's next home game is on Wednesday, March 18 against Murray State. First pitch at Braun Stadium will be 6:00 p.m. CDT.