NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Devin Caldwell drove in three runs and James Vazquez added three hits, but Belmont outlasted SIUE 5-3 in the second game of a three-game Ohio Valley Conference series at Rose Park.

The Cougars fell to 8-21 overall and 6-11 in the OVC.

"We took pretty good at-bats today," SIUE Interim Head Coach Tony Stoecklin said. "Devin bounced back (after 0-3 yesterday) and had a nice day at the plate."

Belmont (25-8, 12-2) took a 1-0 lead in the first inning against SIUE starter Caleb Wilkerson when left fielder Dom Veltri tripled to right center and later scored on a wild pitch.

Caldwell put SIUE on top in the second inning with a two-double off Belmont starter Dan Ludwig. Joel Greatting and Drew Johnson scored on the one-out hit from Caldwell. Greatting singled to lead off the inning and Johnson doubled ahead of Caldwell.

The Bruins took a 3-2 lead with single runs in the third and the fifth innings. In the third, the Bruins loaded the bases with no one out before Wilkerson induced a double play ball.

"When (Caleb) got in a jam he buckled down and competed and found a way out of it," Stoecklin said.

Caldwell tied the game at three in the sixth inning with a one-out solo home run. He finished the day 2 for 4 with the home run and three RBIs. He now leads SIUE with six home runs and 17 RBIs for the season.

Belmont  scored twice on two hits in the sixth to go ahead 5-3. Wilkerson allowed all five runs on five hits over 5.2 innings. It was the longest outing of the season for the freshman, who fell to 0-4.

"He gave us a chance today," Stoecklin said of Wilkerson. "He went out and competed."

Ludwig pitched seven innings to earn the win for Belmont. He improved to 7-1. His seven wins now lead the OVC. Alec Diamond was 2 for 3 in the win for Belmont. Judah Akers was 1 for 2 with two RBIs.

Vazquez was 3 for 5 for the Cougars. Greatting was 3 for 4 with a run scored.

"Vazquez is swinging the bat really well and playing great defense too," Stoecklin said. "Joel is taking good at-bats as well."

The Cougars and Bruins complete the series with a 1 p.m. first pitch Sunday afternoon.