NASHVILLE, Ill. – Belmont starter Joshua South limited SIUE to just four hits Friday on his way to a complete-game shutout of the Cougars. Belmont took the opener of a three-game Ohio Valley Conference baseball series 11-0 at Rose Park.

The Bruins improved to 2-2 in the OVC and 5-8 overall. SIUE fell to 6-8 overall and 1-3 in league play. The Cougars have dropped four straight games.

"We didn't play well tonight but it's only the first game of the series," SIUE Head Coach Sean Lyons said.  "We've got the opportunity tomorrow to play better and even the series." 

South (3-0) did not walk a hitter and struck out six in going the distance.

"South was in command of all his pitches from the start," Lyons said. "He did a nice job of not allowing any free baserunners and limiting our bats offensively."

Brett Johnson, Brady Bunten, John Stallcup and Brennan Orf accounted for the hits for the Cougars, who were shut out for the first time this season.

While South cruised, SIUE pitchers scuffled. Starter David Llorens (2-2) allowed six runs in a start which lasted just 3 2/3 innings. He allowed five hits and walked eight while striking out just three. Brian Chandler followed and allowed five runs, four earned, on three hits in three innings. He walked five and struck out one.

"We were unable to avoid the free bases tonight," Lyons added. "Collectively, we didn't throw enough strikes to give ourselves a chance."

Belmont scored three runs each in the third, fourth and seventh innings. The Bruins scored twice in the sixth inning.

Right fielder John Behrends paced the Bruins' attack. He was 4-4 with three RBIs and three runs scored. Brodey Heaton and Jack Capobianco each had two RBIs.

The Cougars and Bruins will complete the OVC series with a doubleheader Saturday afternoon beginning at 1 p.m.

"We will regroup tonight and come out ready to go tomorrow," Lyons said.