Box Score MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Belhaven baseball team (40-19, 17-15 SSAC) suffered their second straight loss in the Southern States Athletic Conference Tournament on Saturday, falling 5-0 to the top-seeded Faulkner Eagles in extra innings. The Blazers now turn their attention to hosting the Opening Round of the National Tournament, while the Eagles (46-13, 24-8 SSAC) take on undefeated Southern Polytechnic State University for the tournament championship.

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Belhaven starter Rayko Bellmas (5-4) turned in another strong pitching performance, hurling nine shutout innings before surrendering a leadoff double in the top of the 10th. Bellmas struck out eight and walked five while allowing just four hits in his fourth loss of the year.

The Belhaven bullpen gave up four more runs before finally getting out of the inning, but the damage had already been done. Faulkner's Brad Griffis matched Bellmas pitch for pitch, lasting eight innings and striking out nine. Vinny Lujan was the man on the mound when the Eagles finally took a lead, improving his record to 5-0 on the campaign.

Four Blazers found base hits, but the team was unable to scratch across a run against the tournament's premier team. James Peterson, Paul Pickerrell, and Brayden Dyes all went 1 for 4 while Dominick Francia ended the day 1 for 3 at the plate. Faulker got contributions from all parts of the lineup, highlighted by Randy Joung and Esteban Paula each driving in a pair. All five runs came in the top of the 10th, and the Eagles defeated Belhaven for the fifth time this season.

Belhaven now awaits the release of their opponents for the Opening Round, which will be determined on May 9. The Blazers' home ballpark of Smith-Wills Stadium is one of nine selection sites for the Opening Round tournament, where Belhaven will one of five seeds in their region. The tournament is set to take place May 12 – 15. To stay up to date with potential opponents, visit the NAIA official website at NAIA.org.