It was no coincidence that the song “Takin’ Care of Business” was blaring in E.S. Rose Park as Lipscomb stepped on the field because that’s exactly what the Bisons did in their 5-0 shutout over Belmont.
It was a picture-perfect day for the annual “Battle of the Boulevard” face-off. The field was freshly groomed with a jaw-dropping Nashville skyline in the horizon.
The Lady Bisons were more than ready to hit the field Tuesday night after resting since last Thursday’s win over Chattanooga.
“It felt like we were almost having to force our energy and effort at times,” head coach Kristin Ryman said. “We had to work through that and get back into a game mode. It is nice to get some rest, but there is something to be said about being in game mode too.”
Lipscomb landed three runs in just the second inning following a beautiful two-RBI single by Abby Fenichel.
“On a night when the ball wasn’t flying off of bats for either team I thought Abby had some really well-hit balls,” Ryman said.
Fenichel would go on to lead the pack with three runs bated in and two hits.
Another easy run was scored in the fourth off of a bloop single to left field from Fenichel.
Belmont appeared to be in a frenzy as it switched out its second baseman, catcher and shortstop after Lipscomb’s hot start.
The Lady Bisons were unscathed by the changes and remained in the driver’s seat.
The highlight of Lipscomb’s defense was ace Mandy Jordan.
Jordan struck out 13 batters, allowed four hits and did not walk a single Bruin.
The biggest crack of the bat for Belmont came in the bottom of the third with two outs for a huge triple.
Jordan silenced the Belmont crowd with a strikeout to get out of the inning unscathed.
Speed was key for Lipscomb as both slap hitters made it on base to allow another easy run in the fourth.
Belmont regathered and made a pitching change in an effort to wake up its lackadaisical defense.
The new pitcher, Lexi Rouse, proved to be more of a challenge for the Lady Bisons, causing a lot more swings without contact.
Lipscomb remained eager at the plate as Caitlin Plocheck sent one just in front of the left-fielder to single and bring in Brewer to push ahead 5-0.
As the sun began to slip behind the stands and the field lights began to hum, the Lady Bisons pushed on closer to their shut out dreams.
Belmont came out swinging with a hard hit single up centerfield to get on base at the start of the final inning.
Jordan’s usual smile was replaced by a look of determination as she edged closer to the close of the game and the shutout.
Jordan responded with a nod before striking out the final batter.
Next up, the Lady Bisons jump back into conference play to host Kennesaw State at Draper Diamond with a double header beginning at 4 p.m. on Saturday and a 2 p.m. game on Sunday.
Photo courtesy of Lipscomb Athletics