JACKSON, Miss. - The Belhaven University baseball team opened up the 2019 season on the winning end, defeating the LeTourneau Yellow Jackets by a final score of 5-4 to begin Coach Hill Denson's final season with a 1-0 record.

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INSIDE THE MATCHUP

Final: Belhaven 5, LETU 4

Records: Belhaven 1-0 | LETU 0-1

Location:  Smith Wills Stadium | Jackson, Miss. 

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HOW IT HAPPENED

- After back to back hits to begin the first inning, Evan Moore scored the first run of the game on a passed ball to put Belhaven ahead 1-0.

- A few batters later designated hitter, Trip Benson, doubled in the outfield allowing Tucker Calhoun to cross the plate extending Belhaven's lead 2-0. 

- The Yellow Jackets answered in the top half of the second inning scoring two runs, evening the game up 2-2. 

- In the bottom of the second inning, Evan Moore once again was a spark for the Blazers offense, doubling to left field, scoring both Nick Lucido and Gasper D'Anna to give Belhaven a 4-2 lead. 

- Moore scored moments later after Tucker Calhoun reached base on a fielder's choice to put the Green and Gold up 5-2.

- LeTourneau cut the lead down to 5-4 in the top of the seventh inning, scoring two runs off of an error and single.

- Jacob Phillips was lights out in the final two innings to close out the game for the Blazers, earning to save as Belhaven picked up the win by a final score of 5-4.

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KEY STATISTICS

- The Blazers collected 9 total hits as a team. 

- Evan Moore led Belhaven offensively, going 2-for-3 at the plate, with a single, double, and 2 RBI's.

- Gasper D'Anna was 2-for-4 with one run scored. 

- Freshman, Nick Lucido, collect one hit in his first collegiate experience and also added one run in the contest. 

- Trip Benson had a double, RBI, and one hit. Hunter White and Reed Bolton each had one hit. 

- Tucker Calhoun had a productive day at the plate, finishing 1-for-3 with an RBI and run scored. 

- David Hall (1-0) picked up the win, going 5 innings, giving up six hits, two runs, and striking out five batters.

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UP NEXT

Belhaven will play a doubleheader tomorrow beginning at 11 a.m. versus Rhodes College, followed by a 2:30 p.m. game versus Maryville College at Smith Wills Stadium.

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