The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
SAINT LOUIS*
Blazers Wrap Up Sweep of Saint Louis, 2-1
3/20/2005 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
March 20, 2005
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- UAB completed a three-game sweep of Saint Louis and extended its winning streak to nine games with a 2-1 victory over the Billikens on Sunday afternoon at Young Memorial Field. In a situation nearly identical to UAB's victory on Saturday, the Blazers scored the game-winning run on a passed ball in the bottom of the eighth inning and Eric Roberts finished off the Billikens in the top of the ninth to collect his fifth save of the year.
UAB starter Adam Price (3-1) was outstanding through eight innings, scattering just six hits and one walk while striking out five to collect his third victory of the season. Ryan Bird (0-2) was the tough-luck loser for Saint Louis, allowing just one earned run in 7.1 innings while striking out nine Blazer batters.
"The past two days, we didn't hit the ball well, but today we got a great performance from [Adam] Price," said head coach Larry Giangrosso.
The game remained scoreless until the bottom of the fifth inning. After a Zac Ward leadoff single, Seth Rollin reached on a fielder's choice and Phillip Bell came through with an infield single to shortstop. Rollin would move to third when Ben McCullars flew out to deep center field, and a wild pitch plated the UAB second baseman with the game's first run.
Saint Louis came right back and tied the game in the top of the sixth. Johnny Sweeney led off with a double to center field and would come around to score when Tim Landy ripped a two-out double down the right field line.
The Blazers scored a run in their final at bat in the bottom of the eighth inning. Ryan Metcalf singled sharply through the left side to lead off the inning and Clint Toomey followed with a walk. Dan Stucky then advanced both runners into scoring position with a sacrifice bunt. Saint Louis reliever B.J. Rodrigue then entered the game and his first pitch to Cole Helms scooted past catcher Bill Musselman, allowing Metcalf to score the go-ahead run.
The Blazers return to action on Wednesday when they travel to Birmingham-Southern for a 6 p.m. matchup with the Panthers.
