The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Alabama State
Blazers Down Hornets, 11-3
2/27/2010 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Feb. 27, 2010
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- The UAB softball team defeated Alabama State, 11-3, Saturday afternoon to improve to 7-4 on the season and 2-0 at the Magic City Classic. The Blazers run-ruled the Hornets by going up eight runs in the fifth.
UAB had an explosive first inning, going through the entire lineup en route to a 7-0 lead. The Blazers' leadoff hitter, senior Martina Landrum, singled down the right side and stole second to start the inning. Senior third baseman Cameron Skates followed with a bunt to score Landrum and advance junior Caley Walden.
Sophomore Kayla Orr doubled down the left line to score Walden and Skates. Freshman second baseman Kate Armstrong answered with a double down the right line and freshman Issa Brown walked. Junior Natalie Mitchell slugged her second career home run to tack on three more runs for the Green and Gold.
"Going up 7-0 in the first inning means that we were strong at the plate and smart with our base running," UAB head coach Marla Townsend said. "I'm very proud of our offensive performance. On the defensive side we still have some improvements to make, but we're working on them and we will come out strong against Samford this evening."
UAB went up 10-2 in fourth, scoring three runs on three hits by Orr, Armstrong and junior Donna Plath. Orr led the Blazers offensively against the Hornets, going 3-for-3, scoring three runs and two RBI.
Alabama State put two runs on the board in the second when Quaniesha Limbrick singled through the right side to bring in Quayanna Forte. Brehanna Rodrigues also singled to score Sosefina Toilolo.
The Blazers run-ruled the Hornets after only two batters in the fifth, taking an eight-run lead after Walden and Skates had back-to-back doubles to bring pinch runner Sallie Van Kirk across the plate.
Sophomore pitcher Amber Torres (3-0) was strong in the circle for the Blazers, allowing only one earned run and retiring five batters.
The Blazers will play their third game of the Magic City Classic against tournament-host Samford at 5:45 p.m. CT Saturday.
