The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
UCF
Nelson, Blazers Split Doubleheader with Knights
3/15/2008 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 15, 2008
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- Jennifer Nelson threw a two-hitter and also drove in the game winning run in the UAB softball team's 2-0 victory over UCF in the game on Saturday at George Ward Park. The Blazers dropped the second contest 3-2.
Nelson's pitching and hitting helped the Blazers snap a five-game losing streak and also helped them to their first Conference USA victory of the year.
"Jennifer had a fantastic game and showed exactly what she is capable of doing," head coach Marla Townsend said. "She proved why she is one of the best pitchers in the conference."
The lefty returned to her usual form, as she struck out eight giving up just two hits in the process. She won her eighth game of the year and ended a recent string of tough outings.
Nelson also supplied the Blazers' first run of the game in the second inning with an RBI single that allowed Andrea Rogers to score.
The defense behind Nelson also kept the Knights in check making one great play after another. The most crucial play was a double-play that kept the Knights off the scoreboard and ended their fourth inning.
"The defense did a great job behind both of our pitchers today," Townsend said. "They made all the plays they were supposed to and even some that they aren't."
The Knights' Tiffany Lane singled, stole second and moved up on an infield ground out. Lane then tried to score on a ground out to short, but Rogers blocked the plate, as Lane slid past and over the plate, allowing Rogers to place the tag for the inning's final out.
"I think it's one of the traits that Andrea does very well," Townsend said. "It's one of the most overlooked parts of her game. That play gave us a real shot in the arm."
Rogers came around to score in the bottom of the fourth on a Kayla Orr fielder's choice, making it 2-1 advantage for UAB. Rogers finished 2-for-3 with two runs scored.
Kayla Harris singled twice and Caley Walden reached base on an infield bunt in the first.
The Knights took an early lead in game two with four singles that scored two runs in the first inning. An error turned into a second inning run for UCF, giving them a 3-0 lead after two innings.
UAB battled back, however, as Rogers' liner scored Leigh Walker making it a 3-1 game in the fourth inning.
Laura Callaway's single in the sixth scored Rogers, who walked, making it a one-run game. Nelson nearly pushed across Cameron Skates to tie the score, but a nice play at third cut her down at the plate. UAB would leave the bases loaded and went down in order in the seventh.
Harris (6-4) took the loss for the Blazers, surrendering eight hits and striking out four.
With the split the Blazers move to 14-15 overall and 1-4 in league play. The Knights are now 19-14 and 2-3 in the league.
The Blazers will go for the series win beginning at 1 p.m. CT Sunday at George Ward Park.
