Chase Brookshire is used to pitcher’s duels.
But usually, he has more time to rest in between them.
Six days after pitching more than 13 innings during the Atlantic Sun tournament, the lefty was on the mound again Friday afternoon for the Belmont Bruins’ first game in the NCAA tournament, a 2-1 loss to the Oregon State Beavers in Baton Rouge, La.
This pitching duel between Brookshire and several Beavers didn’t offer many chances for either team to score. The junior allowed three hits and two runs while striking out three during seven innings, while the Oregon State pitchers, led by Jace Fry, allowed one run on six hits.
Belmont had trouble converting opportunities into runs throughout the game, leaving nine batters on base.
The Bruins were forced to rally early when left fielder Ryan Barnes scored after hitting a double and gave the Beavers a second-inning lead.
In the fourth inning, two-out singles by Alec Diamond and Jared Breen plus a Phillip Parsley walk loaded the bases for Belmont. But the Bruins were unable to score after a William Dodd flyout ended the inning.
One inning later, Belmont tied the game after Zac Mitchell tripled to right field and then scored on a sacrifice groundout.
In the next inning, the Beavers scored the decisive run when Barnes bunted in Joey Matthews from third in the bottom of the sixth.
Belmont had a chance to tie the game both in the seventh when Mitchell stole his way to scoring position and again in the eighth with a Diamond singled. Beaver pitching shut them down both times.
Belmont will play in a tournament elimination game Saturday at 2 p.m. They will face the loser of Friday’s game between LSU and Louisiana-Monroe.