The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
MURRAY STATE
Blazers Top Murray State 6-5 For Series Sweep
2/22/2004 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Feb. 22, 2004
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Center fielder Sam Clark's two-out double down the right field line brought in catcher Eugene Rodriguez in the bottom of the 12th inning and lifted UAB (4-0) to a 6-5 win and three-game series sweep of Murray State (0-3) in baseball action Sunday afternoon at Young Memorial Field. The Blazers, who carried over a three-game winning streak from last season, are now winners of seven in a row, including seven straight at home, dating back to last season.
UAB took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning when right fielder Cole Helms was able to steal home on a double steal attempt.
The Blazers got out to a 4-0 advantage in the bottom of the third inning on a three-run home run to left field by Helms.
Murray State answered with two runs in the top of the eighth inning. Third baseman Clint Griggs singled through the left side, scoring pinch hitter Seth Hudson and catcher Dustin Hennigar.
UAB posted a run in the bottom of the eighth on a solo home run to right field by Clark.
Murray State tied the score in the top of the ninth. Shortstop Alex Stewart homered to left field for the Thoroughbreds' first run of the inning. Later in the inning, third baseman James Akin singled through the left side, allowing Hennigar to score his second run of the day. Griggs later got his third RBI of the game when he singled to short, scoring Akin.
The Thoroughbreds threatened in the top of the 12th with the bases loaded and two outs, but Blazer reliever Chris Thorup was able to close the door as he struck out pinch hitter Kyle Riley.
Thorup (1-0) picked up the win for UAB after pitching the final two innings of the game. He allowed only one hit and one walk and tied a career high for strikeouts with four. Jeff Brown started the game and pitched seven innings. He gave up two runs on three hits, walked one and tied a career high for strikeouts with five.
"Jeff Brown was very efficient with his number of pitches," said UAB head coach Larry Giangrosso. "He threw really well, very sharp. Chris (Thorup) really did a good job. We had some opportunities when it was 4-0 to blow the game open and we just didn't do it. However, the sweep is huge and we are happy to get the win."
Tyler Pittman (0-1) took the loss for Murray State after pitching two-thirds of an inning. He allowed one run on two hits. Thoroughbred starter Jake Ociesa worked five innings and gave up four runs on five hits, walked five and struck out eight.
UAB returns home to Young Memorial Tuesday to face cross-town foe Birmingham-Southern at 6 p.m.
