The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Samford
UAB Softball Shuts Down Samford, 8-2
2/27/2010 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Feb. 27, 2010
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- The UAB softball team slugged three home runs in its 8-2 victory over Samford Saturday evening. The Blazers are now 3-0 at the Magic City Classic.
Despite the chilly temperatures, the Blazer bats stayed hot as UAB posted 10 hits and eight runs against the Bulldogs. Senior Cameron Skates, sophomore Kayla Orr and freshman Kate Armstrong all belted long balls for the Green and Gold.
The Blazers' strong offensive performance forced three Samford pitching changes, with Amanda Barrs, Robyn Harmon and Stephanie Royall all attempting to shut down UAB.
UAB jumped out to an early lead in the first after junior Caley Walden scored on sophomore Mandy Lowman's single up the middle. Orr then stepped up to the plate with Lowman and Skates on base and slugged a home run over the centerfield wall to give UAB a 4-0 lead.
"We came out swinging and jumped on them early," UAB head coach Marla Townsend said. "Three long balls shows a lot of improvement for us offensively. We have set ourselves up to come out tomorrow and play for the tournament championship."
Armstrong blasted a homer off the scoreboard in the fifth to tack on another run for UAB. In the sixth, senior Martina Landrum singled to centerfield, stole second and scored off Skates' home run.
Landrum was another offensive force for the Blazers, going 3-for-4 with a double, two singles and two runs. Landrum also stole her eighth base of the season.
Junior pitcher Alisha Smith (3-3) held Samford scoreless through the sixth, but the Bulldogs put two runs on the board after Adams belted a double up the middle to score Harmon and Barrs.
"Alisha had a strong performance and forced them to hit a lot of ground balls," Townsend said. "Lauren also did a great job closing the game."
Freshman pitcher Lauren Webster pitched the top of the seventh for UAB, striking out all three batters to close the game.
The Blazers play their final game of the Magic City Classic Sunday at 11 a.m. CT against Nicholls State.
