The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Southern Illinois
UAB Softball Drops Two To Southern Illinois
3/11/2003 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 11, 2003
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.---The UAB softball team dropped to 13-9 on the season when it fell to Southern Illinois, 3-2 and 5-3 here Tuesday.
The Blazers combined for 16 hits compared to the Salukis nine, but couldn't connect with runners in scoring position.
"We didn't get the job done, we had runners in the scoring position and we didn't come through," said UAB head coach Marla Townsend. "You can't get two runs and lay back on a top 30 team like Southern Illinois."
"We know what we have to work on and we are going to work on it," said Townsend. "It's as much mental as it is physical and we've got to get ready for conference play."
In the first inning of game one, UAB's Sarah Christophel doubled to left center field and advanced to third on a pass ball. Beth Mullins grounded out to shortstop and Christophel scored on the play, giving the Blazers the 1-0 lead.
The Blazers rallied in the third inning when Kristin Stanfill singled to left field and advanced to second on a sacrificed hit by Candice Hithe. Christophel notched her second hit of the day when she singled to center field and advanced Stanfill to third base. Beth Mullins added an RBI single to bring Christophel across the plate, adding to the 2-0 Blazer lead.
SIU fought back in the fourth inning when Jenny Doehring walked and advanced to second when Adie Viefaus reached on a fielder's choice. Christina Andrews entered the game to pinch run for Viefaus and advanced to second on when Katie Jordan had a sacrifice hit. Kelly Creek doubled, driving in Andrews and Doehring, tying the game at 2-2.
The Salukis scored the game-winning run in the sixth inning when Katie Jordan homered to right field, giving the Salukis the 3-2.
Southern Illinois held off the Blazer for the final two innings, winning the game 3-2.
Kerri Foster (8-4) took the loss for the UAB, giving up four hits, three runs and striking out six batters.
In game two, UAB notched two runs in third inning when Stanfill walked and advanced to second when Hithe singled. Cliffanie Engram then blasted a double to right field, bringing Hithe and Stanfill across the plate, giving UAB the 2-0 lead.
Southern Illinois answered back in the fourth inning when Kelly Creek hit a homerun, cutting the Blazer lead to one.
The Blazers added to its lead in the fourth inning when Amahnda Ellis was hit by a pitch and advanced to third on a double down the right field line hit by Alexis Kreske. Stanfill singled to bring Ellis home, giving UAB the 3-1 lead.
The Salukis rallied in the fifth inning when Samantha Carter walked and advanced to second on a sacrifice hit by Haley Viefhaus. Doehring hit an RBI doubled, scoring Carter on the play. Jordan drew a walk and both Doehring and Jordan scored when Creek hit her second homerun of the season, giving Southern Illinois the 5-3 lead.
Southern Illinois held off the Blazers for the remaining three innings, securing the 5-3 victory.
UAB's Kelli Thompson took the loss, bringing her record to 4-3 on the season.
UAB heads to Middle Tennessee State on Wednesday, March 12 to take on the Lady Raiders in doubleheader action. The Blazers will be back at home Saturday, March 15 to open C-USA play against South Florida starting at 1 p.m.
