The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
at Alabama
Baseball Team Falls To No. 34 Alabama
4/23/2003 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
April 23, 2003
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - No. 34 Alabama (28-13, 9-9 Southeastern Conference) used 12 runs on 13 hits to defeat UAB 12-1 in baseball action Wednesday evening at Sewell-Thomas Stadium.
Alabama took a 3-0 lead in top of the first inning. Shortstop Adam Pavkovich singled in center fielder Travis Garner for the Tide's first run of the inning. First baseman Zac Welch later singled up the middle, scoring Pavkovich. Designated hitter Al Hecklinski followed with a single to left field that scored right fielder Beau Hearod.
The Crimson Tide added five runs in the bottom of the second inning. With the bases loaded, Blazer reliever Griffin Zarbough walked Pavkovich, bringing in left fielder Grant Redding. Later in the inning, Hearod hit a grand slam to right field to give Alabama an 8-0 lead.
Alabama added a run in the bottom of the fourth inning when third baseman Nathan Meiners singled through the ride side, allowing Hearod to score.
UAB scored a run in the top of the fifth inning on left fielder Mitch Jones' sacrifice fly to center field that brought in shortstop Seth Rollin.
The Crimson Tide added three runs in the bottom of the sixth to go up 12-1. Alabama's first run of the inning came when Hecklinski singled through the left side, allowing Hearod to score his fourth run of the game. Catcher Charlie Lyons later singled through the left side to score Welch. The Tide's final run came on a Garner's sacrifice fly to left field that brought in Hecklinski.
Tide starter Jeffrey Norris (5-1) picked up the win for Alabama after pitching six innings and allowing only one run on five hits. He gave up three walks and had seven strikeouts. Jared Woodward got his first save of the season for Alabama after working the final three innings of the game.
Blazer starter Chris Thorup (1-3) took the loss for UAB after pitching an inning and giving up three runs on four hits and one walk. Griffin Zarbough, Ryan Huffman, Lyle Northington, Kevin Brannon and Allen West each saw action out of the Blazer bullpen.
UAB stranded eight base runners to Alabama's six.
The Blazers were playing their fifth straight road game and their ninth road game of the month. Six out of the nine road games have come against a ranked opponent.
"We had some opportunities in the game, but we didn't make things happen and it got away from us," said UAB head coach Larry Giangrosso. "It has been a tough road stretch this month, but we have to rebound and play well against Southern Miss this weekend."
UAB (21-18, 6-11 Conference USA) next travels to Hattiesburg, Miss. for a three-game Conference USA series against 21st-ranked Southern Miss, beginning Friday at 6:30 p.m.
