The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
East Carolina*
UAB Softball Takes Two From ECU
4/5/2003 12:00:00 AM | Softball
April 5, 2003
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.---UAB pitcher, Kelli Thompson threw a one-hitter in UAB's 2-0 victory over East Carolina and went five-for-six on the day, as the Blazers defeated the Pirates in both games, here Saturday.
"We picked up two big wins today and it was nice to do it in front of our home crowd," said UAB head Coach Marla Townsend.
"Our batters came through with runners in scoring position and that is what helped us win both of the games."
In the first game of the day, UAB (20-20, 5-9 C-USA)put the first run of the game on the scoreboard against East Carolina in the fourth inning when Kris Lara singled and scored when Kelli Thompson smashed her ninth double of the season to left center field. Chelsea McCall entered the game to pinch run for Thompson and scored when Amanda Byrne singled through the right side, giving UAB the 2-0 lead.
The Blazers rallied in the fifth inning when Sara Christophel reached after she struck out when the ball got past the ECU catcher. Beth Mullins then reached on an error by ECU third baseman, Stacey Smith. Both Christophel and Mullins scored when Cliffanie Engram doubled to left centerfield. Thompson hit her second double of the game to advancing Engram across the plate, giving UAB the 5-0 lead.
The Blazers held off the Pirates for the remaining two innings to hold onto the 5-0 victory.
UAB pitcher, Kerri Foster improved her record to 10-8 on the season after pitching her first shut-out of the season.
UAB swung the bats early in the second game as Thompson hit her third double of the day and scored when Amanda Ellis hit a double down the left field line. Ellis then scored when Alexis Kreske reached on an error by East Carolina, giving UAB the 2-0 lead in the second inning.
The Pirates (17-21, 1-10 C-USA) rallied in the seventh inning when Christine Sheridan reached on a UAB error and Kate Manuse walked. Both runners advanced when Krista Jessup laid down a sacrifice bunt. UAB pitcher, Kelli Thompson got the Blazers out of the jam, striking out the next two East Carolina batters and securing the 2-0 victory.
Thompson (8-7) picked up the win for the Blazers, throwing a one-hitter and striking out nine ECU batters.
"Kelli's performances both on the rubber as well as at the plate were huge today," said coach Townsend. "She allowed only one hit in the second game and went five for six at the plate and that is what helps a team win multiple ball games."
The Blazers and Pirates will be back in action at George Ward Park Sunday to finish their three-game series starting at noon.
