After a four-run second inning by Belmont, the WKU baseball team could never get back into Tuesday’s game in Nashville as the Bruins beat the Hilltoppers 9-1. 

 In a game where Belmont knocked out four different solo home runs, along with seven extra base hits, the Hilltoppers struggled at the plate as they left 11 runners stranded on base. 

WKU also failed to have a single extra-base hit for the first time this season. 

Senior first baseman Ryan Church and senior designated hitter Phillip Diedrick combined for one hit in eight at-bats on the evening. 

The lone score for the Hilltoppers came off back-to-back mistakes from the Bruins after a wild pitch moved sophomore second baseman Leiff Clarkson to second base, followed by an error from the Belmont second baseman that brought Clarkson home for the score. 

On the mound, WKU continued their struggles. Sophomore Cody Coll gave up six hits and five runs in just two innings. 

Sophomore Sam Higgs and freshman Logan Weins also saw time on the mound Tuesday as they combined to give up nine hits and four runs in six innings. 

In a contest with few positives, Diedrick provided some hope for Hilltoppers as he extended his hitting streak to seven games dating back to last year. 

The loss brings the Hilltoppers to 2-4 on the season, with games next against Vanderbilt and Southern Illinois.