The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
at Alabama State
Blazers Open Season With 8-0 Win Over Alabama State
2/17/2004 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Feb. 17, 2004
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Center fielder Sam Clark went 3-for-4 with a three-run homer and three runs scored in helping lead UAB (1-0) to an 8-0 shutout of Alabama State (3-4) in the Blazers' season opener.
UAB struck first in the top of the second inning. Catcher Ben McCullars singled up the middle, advancing left fielder Matt Womble to third. Womble was then able to score after Hornet center fielder Ashley Allen bobbled McCullars' hit in center field. UAB led 1-0.
UAB went up 3-0 after a two-run homer to center field by second baseman Josh Miljavac in the top of the third inning.
The Blazers added two runs in the top of the fifth inning. Shortstop Dan Stucky's sacrifice fly to left field allowed Clark to score his second run of the day. Later in the inning, designated hitter Nathan McCorkle singled through the left side, allowing Miljavac to score his second run of the day.
Clark drove in the Blazers' final three runs with a three-run homer to right field in the top of the sixth inning. He tied a Blazer career-high for hits, runs scored and RBI with three in each category.
Adam Price (1-0) picked up the win for UAB after working five shut-out innings and giving up only three hits to go along with six strikeouts. Lyle Northington, Jacob Legg, Grant Addison and Matt Fowles each worked an inning in relief for UAB.
"It's always good to win on the road," said UAB head coach Larry Giangrosso. "I thought we played solid today. Overall, everything was solid. We had some timely hits today. I was proud for Adam (Price). It was a good start for him. All of our pitchers were solid today. I thought we also played well defensively. We had everything you would want to see in a first outing."
Freddie Williams took the loss for Alabama State after working five innings and giving up five runs, four of which were earned, on seven hits. He walked two and struck out three. Aaron Houchin came on in relief of Williams and pitched four innings, giving up three runs on six hits. He walked two and struck out three.
UAB returns to Young Memorial Field Friday for its home opener against Murray State at 6 p.m. The Blazers and Thoroughbreds square off at 2 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday.
