The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Alabama St
Blazer Baseball Wins Big On Opening Day
2/13/2001 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Feb. 13, 2001
UAB starter Ross Dobbins allowed only two hits and one run in five complete innings, walking only one and striking out nine as the Blazers defeated Alabama State 19-3 in both teams' season-opener Tuesday afternoon at Young Memorial Field.
UAB pounded out 15 hits in the game. Four Blazers, first baseman Brandon Isbell, designated hitter Chris George, third baseman Matt Gaulden and shortstop Mark Garner had two hits each, with Gaulden and Garner driving in three runs apiece. Catcher Al Hecklinski and second baseman Nick Clark also had three RBI for the Blazers.
The Blazers staked Dobbins to a six-run lead in the first inning, highlighted by a two-RBI triple by Gaulden. Clark would later add a two-run triple in the third inning.
Alabama State starter Julius Cook (0-1) was the losing pitcher, working two complete innings and allowing 10 runs on six hits with five walks.
The Hornets scored their first run in the second innings as designated hitter Eric Duff walked, advanced to second on a ground ball and to third on a wild pitch, then scored on an RBI single by left fielder Andrew Ralph. ASU added a second run in the seventh as center fielder Bartkowski Cowan scored on a ground out by third baseman Adrian Urghart.
Dobbins (1-0), a native of Tanner, Ala., and a transfer from Central Alabama Community College, earned the victory in his first appearance for the Blazers.
UAB returns to action again this weekend, hosting Southern Illinois at Young Memorial Field. Friday and Saturday's games are scheduled to begin at 2:00 pm CST, and Sunday's game is set for 1:00 pm CST.
