The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Memphis
UAB Beats Memphis, 11-5, Takes On Tulsa This Afternoon
5/7/2009 12:00:00 AM | Softball
May 7, 2009
Tournament Central | UAB 11, Memphis 5 | Photos
UAB vs. Tulsa - Live Stats | Watch 
EL PASO, Texas - Amanda Allen hit two two-run home runs and recorded four RBI as the UAB softball team was able to advance in game one of the 2009 Conference USA Softball Championship after posting a 11-5 win over Memphis here on Thursday. With the victory, UAB will play No.1 seed Tulsa this afternoon at 3:30 p.m. CT.
In the win, the Blazers were able to tie the C-USA Championship single-game team record with five stolen bases and Martina Landrum tied the tournament's single-game individual record with three stolen bases in three attempts. The record is shared with current Blazer Caley Walden and former UAB player, Candice Hithe. Landrum also set the UAB single-season run record with two runs in the win over the Tigers bringing this year's total to 39. The previous record of 37 was held by Hithe.
"This was the toughest game for us," said UAB head coach Marla Townsend. "We hit the ball but we made too many mental mistakes. We need to put it all behind us and get prepared for Tulsa."
UAB was able to strike first early in the first inning as a result of three Memphis errors. Landrum reached first on a walk and stole second for her 35th stolen base on the year. Walden reached first on an error and advanced to third after Landrum scored on a second throwing error at the plate. Walden scored after Douglass reached on yet another error by the Tigers and moved to third after a wild pitch. Amanda Allen put two more runs on the board with a home run to straight-away centerfield. It was the sophomore's ninth home run of the season. The Blazers grounded out to end the inning with a 4-0 lead.
Memphis would cut into the Blazers' lead in the third inning, 4-1, after putting runners in scoring position with one out. Leandrea Hines scored from third after Tiffany Gross hit a fielder's choice in the infield. The Tigers would load the bases with two outs, but were unable to score before ending the inning.
The Blazers started the third inning off with an infield single by Douglass. Allen followed with her second two-run home run of the afternoon to right field for the 6-1 lead.
UAB loaded the bases in the bottom of the fourth after Landrum led things off with a walk and Douglass singled to shallow left filed, advancing to second on the Tigers' fourth error of the day. The Tigers intentionally walked Allen. Callaway singled down the left line scoring Landrum. On the play, Douglass was caught in a run down between third and home, but an error on the Tigers allowed her to score and Allen was out on the play. Callaway scored and put the Blazers up 9-1 when Lowman reached base on the Tigers' sixth error of the afternoon.
Memphis would score two more runs in the top of the fifth on a two-RBI single by Leigh Rowan to bring the score, 9-3.
The Blazers had a chance to closeout the game in the fifth with two runners in scoring position. Landrum singled then stole second. Walden reached on an error and stole second, moving Landrum to third in the process. But Memphis was able to grab a shallow fly ball to left field for the third out.
Memphis chipped away at the UAB lead again in the sixth inning scoring two runs on three hits and one error.
UAB widened the margin, 11-5, in the bottom of the sixth on a two-out, two-run home run to right centerfield by Cameron Skates.
Allen led the Green and Gold at the plate going 2-for-3 with four RBI and two runs scored. Landrum recorded one hit and two runs scored with three stolen bases. Douglass was also impressive in the batter's box with two hits and three runs scored.
Kayla Harris (4-4) picked up the win after allowing four runs and six hits in five innings of work.
Janelle Valle (8-14) recorded the loss for Memphis. She allowed four runs in the first inning without ever having recorded an out.
UAB will now face No. 1 seed Tulsa this afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. CT.
