April 11, 2025 | Peoria, Ill. | Dozer Park
The Bradley Braves ended their homestand by dropping the first two games of the weekend series, but they came back and won the series finale on Sunday.
Game 1: Belmont 3, Bradley 0
The Braves' hitting woes continued on Friday as the team managed just three hits in their first game against Belmont. Travis Lutz had a strong outing, pitching seven innings and allowing two runs on five hits while walking three and striking out a career-high nine hitters. Eli Lehrman came in relief, throwing two innings and yielding one run on three hits while walking one and striking out three.
Top Performer: Travis Lutz (7 IP, 2 ER, 9 SO)
Bradley Offense: 3 hits, 2 HBP, 3 walks
Pitching Grit: 3 runs allowed, 3 earned, 12 strikeouts
Game 2: Belmont 10, Bradley 1
The Braves looked to be turning the tide in this one as an early Bobby Atkinson homer to right field gave Bradley a 1-0 lead. However, the Bruins tied the game in the fourth and took the lead in the seventh, while the Braves didn't record another hit for the rest of the game. The ninth inning was disastrous for the Braves as they surrendered six runs before recording an out. Josh Vaughn had an outstanding outing, throwing five innings while giving up one run, none earned, on seven hits while walking one and striking out seven.
Top Performer: Josh Vaughn (5 IP, 0 ER, 7 SO)
Bradley Offense: 1 run, 1 hit, 0 walks
Pitching Grit: 10 runs allowed, 5 earned, 9 strikeouts
Game 3: Belmont 4, Bradley 15
The Braves bounced back on Sunday in a big way in the Bradley vs. Cancer game, winning 15-4. Belmont struck first with a three run first inning, but the Braves responded in the bottom half of the inning with four to take the lead. They extended their lead to 8-3 by the fourth, and a seven-run sixth inning gave them a 15-4 lead. Cole Luckey had a fantastic day at the plate, hitting 2-for-4 with two home runs, six RBI, and two runs scored. Bobby Atkinson had his second homer of the weekend, going 2-for-3 with two RBI, a walk, and three runs scored. Beau Durbin and Timmy O'Brien also hit bombs, giving the Braves five on the day.
Top Performer: Cole Luckey (2-for-4, 2 HR, 6 RBI)
Bradley Offense: 15 runs, 16 hits, 5 home runs
Pitching Grit: 4 runs allowed, 2 earned, 6 strikeouts
Looking Ahead
The Braves will look to build on this win as they travel to Iowa to take on the Iowa Hawkeyes on Wednesday, April 16, at 6:05 p.m.
