NASHVILLE, Tenn. --The Lindenwood baseball team (3-15) lost the opening game of the weekend series to Belmont (8-11) by a final of 9-0 on Friday.

Sophomore Preston Salazar (0-5) got the ball to start for Lindenwood and took the loss. Freshman Josh Newell was a bright spot for the Lions, coming out of the bullpen and throwing 3.2 shutout innings, allowing one hit, with one walk and five strikeouts.

Senior Greg Sanders led the way offensively for the Lions, going 2-for-4 in the ballgame.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Lindenwood (MO) managed zero chances with runners on third in the shutout, going a total of 0-for-2 with runners in scoring position. The Lions last got a runner on third in the fifth, when junior Ethan Abercrombie made it 90 feet away from scoring with two outs.

GAME NOTES
» Lindenwood pitchers faced 44 Belmont hitters in the game, allowing seven ground balls and 10 fly balls while striking out six.
» Sanders led the Lions at the plate, going 2-for-4.
» Belmont was led offensively by junior Jeff Clarke, who went 4-for-5 with a triple, a home run and three RBI.
» Bean led the Bruins pitching staff, throwing seven shutout innings.

UP NEXT
Lindenwood will continue the series with Belmont on Saturday for a doubleheader starting at 1:00 p.m. in Nashville, Tenn.