NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The USC Upstate baseball team (21-11, 7-5 A-Sun) dropped a 7-1 decision at Atlantic Sun Conference foe Belmont (23-10, 10-2 A-Sun) today.

The Spartans struck first, plating their lone run of the contest in the first inning. Junior Jordan Stampler (Davie, Fla.) led the inning off with a single up the middle and then advanced to second off a sacrifice bunt from the bat of senior Tyler Cook (Bloomington, Ill.). Stampler claimed third base when junior Gaither Bumgardner (Fort Lawn, S.C.) grounded out to third, bringing up sophomore Luke Weber (Spartanburg, S.C.). The catcher singled to centerfield, batting in Stampler and giving Upstate the 1-0 lead.

The Bruins quickly answered back, putting up three runs in the bottom of the first. The Spartans held Belmont to just three runs until the sixth inning, when Belmont plated a pair. The Bruins recorded a run in the both the seventh and eighth innings, putting the final score at 7-1.

On the hill, Belmont's James Buckelew picked up the win to remain undefeated on the year, 5-0. He tossed six innings, allowing six hits and one run. Upstate junior Brandon Lee (Palatka, Fla.) took the loss, falling to 4-3 on the season. He gave up 10 hits and five runs, while fanning four Burin batters in six innings of work.

Junior Ben Auenstein (Sebastian, Fla.) threw one inning in relief for the Spartans, allowing one hit and one run, while freshman L.J. Newman (Piedmont, S.C.) saw 0.2 inning of action, giving up two hits and one run.

Upstate returns to action Tuesday, April 10, hosting Charleston Southern at 6 p.m. Follow the Spartans this season on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.