The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
East Carolina
East Carolina Sweeps UAB In Doubleheader
3/21/2009 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 21, 2009
Game 1 Box Score | Game 2 Box Score
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB softball team (10-16, 3-5 Conference USA) dropped a conference doubleheader to East Carolina (18-9, 5-3 C-USA) on Saturday afternoon at George Ward Park. In the first game, the Blazers fell, 3-1, in eight innings and in the second game the Pirates were able to down UAB, 3-1, in seven.
"We struggled today swinging the bats," said UAB head coach Marla Townsend. "Seven hits in two games are not going to get it done in this conference. We have to have someone step up in these close games."
In the first game of the day, UAB never got it going offensively. At one point, East Carolina retired the first eight batters of the game. After giving up a hit to sophomore Caley Walden in the third, the Pirates were able to retire another 10 batters in a row.
After five scoreless innings, the Pirates were able to score one run in the sixth when Kaui Tom grounded out in the infield, allowing Cristen Aona to score from third and avoid the tag at the plate for a 1-0 lead.
UAB was able to tie the game, 1-1, when freshman Catherine Douglass hit a solo home run to right centerfield to lead off the bottom of the seventh. But the Blazers were unable to add to the score and the game went into extra innings.
But in the eighth inning, East Carolina was able to record three base hits and score two runs to seal the win, 3-1.
Two-time C-USA Pitcher of the Week, Toni Paisley, picked up her 13th win of the season after striking out seven in eight innings of work. She allowed only three hits and walked one.
Amber Torres (4-2) received the loss after pitching 7.1 innings and allowing three runs. She struck out four while giving up 10 hits to the Pirates.
"East Carolina came out and played their game," said Townsend. "They kept it a low-scoring game and were able to walk out with two wins."
The Pirates wasted no time getting on the scoreboard in the second game of the day. Charina Sumner was able to get on base after being hit by a pitch. Then with one out, Jessica Johnson hit a two-run home run to left field for the early, 2-0 lead.
The Blazers continued to struggle early in the game before closing the gap, 2-1. Junior Martina Landrum hit a two-out double to left field in the fifth inning, allowing junior Cameron Skates to score from second. Douglass fouled out to end the inning a batter later.
East Carolina tacked on the final run in the sixth inning on two base hits.
Lindsey Croft (4-10) struck out four and walked two in seven innings for the loss.
UAB and East Carolina will finish the three-game series tomorrow at George Ward Park. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m. CT.
