The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
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UAB Softball Claims Series Finale Against UTEP, 4-2
4/25/2010 12:00:00 AM | Softball
April 25, 2010
EL PASO, Texas --- The UAB softball team handed UTEP a 4-2 loss Sunday at the Helen of Troy Softball Complex. Although the Miners claimed the series, 2-1, after sweeping Saturday's doubleheader, the Blazers spoiled the Miners' perfect 15-0 record at home. Also with the win, the Blazers became just the fourth team in school history to reach the 31-win mark.
UAB (31-17, 11-7 C-USA) out-hit UTEP (28-18, 10-8 C-USA), 9-6, to claim Sunday's contest, despite stranding 11 runners on base compared to the Miners' six. Center fielder Martina Landrum and catcher Mandy Lowman led the Blazers offensively, both going 2-for-3 with one run.
Shortstop Kayla Orr launched her third long ball of the series to open the scoring for the Blazers in the second. Designated player Kate Armstrong followed with a double to left field, and rounded the diamond on a double by right fielder Sallie Van Kirk to give UAB the 2-0 advantage.
"Kayla Orr continued her outstanding performance at the plate and took a first pitch deep to just set the tone for the game," UAB head coach Marla Townsend said. "Alisha Smith also had an outstanding performance in the circle. To give UTEP its first loss at home and to win on Sunday is a step in the right direction."
The Blazers loaded the bases in the third frame after Lowman belted a base hit, Orr walked and second baseman Natalie Mitchell got hit by a pitch. UTEP pitcher Stacie Townsend then threw four consecutive balls to walk first baseman Erica Sisson and plate another run for UAB.
Miner pitcher Courtney Auger took over in the fourth after Townsend (24-12) allowed five hits and three earned runs. Auger struck out three batters, gave up four hits and surrendered one earned run in two innings of work before Joanna Krienitz tossed the final two innings.
UAB tacked on another run in the fourth after leadoff hitter Landrum doubled to center field. Left fielder Caley Walden laid down a sacrifice bunt, but advanced to second after third baseman Kelynn Frye overthrew first. Landrum scored on the play to increase the Blazer lead to, 4-0. UAB threatened more damage with the bases loaded, but Mitchell grounded out to end the inning.
In the bottom of the fourth inning, UTEP catcher Camilla Carrera reached on a fielder's choice and left fielder Courtney Ware smacked a single up the middle, but UAB pitcher Alisha Smith caught Frye looking to keep the Miners scoreless.
Landrum belted her second double of the day in the fifth, but was left on.
UTEP tallied two runs in the sixth after Carrera and right fielder Ashley Ellis knocked base hits. Ware then blasted a two-RBI double to left center field. The Miners gave the Blazers a scare with the tying runs on base, but first baseman Kayleigh Walts grounded out to Smith to preserve UAB's 4-2 lead.
Smith (12-10) forced three groundouts in the bottom of the seventh to pick up the win. The Springville, Ala., product had a solid performance Sunday, fanning seven batters and holding UTEP scoreless through the fifth inning.
The Blazers return home for a midweek contest against in-state foe Troy Tuesday. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m. CT at UAB Softball Field.
