The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
UCF
UAB Loses Close Contest To UCF, 6-5
3/15/2009 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 15, 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. - The UAB softball team (10-14, 3-3 C-USA) lost a close one-run game to UCF (15-14, 2-4 C-USA), 6-5, here on Sunday afternoon. The Blazers rallied to take a 5-4 lead in the top of the sixth inning before the Knights were able to score two runs and steal the victory in the bottom of the inning.
"We struggled early on," said UAB head coach Marla Townsend. "We got the big hits and runs in the fifth, but we were unable to hold on. We just came out on the wrong side today."
The Knights took a 2-0 lead in the first inning after scoring two runs on three hits. UCF was able to score one more run in the fourth and an additional run in the fifth to lead, 4-0.
At the start of the sixth inning, Sophomore Caley Walden, junior Martina Landrum and freshman Catherine Douglass loaded the bases after laying down three consecutive bunts. Senior Andrea Rogers put UAB on the board with a single through the left side, scoring Walden from third. Then sophomore Amanda Allen hit a three-run double to right centerfield to tie the game, 4-4. Two batters later, freshman Tiffany Smith replaced Allen as a pinch runner and was able to score on a wild pitch, giving UAB the lead, 5-4.
But in the bottom of the sixth inning UCF was able to get runners on the corners after two base hits and a sacrifice bunt. With two outs, Breanna Javier hit a two-run single down the left field line and UCF reclaimed the lead, 6-5.
UCF's Ashleigh Cole improved to 10-4 on the season. In 7.0 innings pitched, Cole struck out five and walked none.
Junior Sara Swepston (2-4) was awarded the loss after 1.1 innings of work. Swepston allowed three hits including two that put the two winning runs on base in the sixth inning.
Junior Martina Landrum was 3-for-4 on the day with one run scored. Allen was 1-for-3 with a double and three RBI.
The Blazers return to action on March 21 as it will host East Carolina for a three game series, starting with a doubleheader on Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. CT at George Ward Park.
