The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Illinois
Illinois Edges UAB, 1-0, In Eight Innings
2/11/2012 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Feb. 11, 2012
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MIAMI, Fla. –In the first-ever meeting between the two teams, Illinois edged UAB, 1-0, in eight innings on Saturday at the FIU Combat Classic. Both the Blazers and the Fighting Illini are 1-2 in the season-opening tournament.
Both teams had chances to score, but key defensive plays kept the contest scoreless through seven innings.
In the third inning, UAB's Maegan Hornsby hit a double to lead off the inning, dropping the ball over the Illinois first baseman’s head. Amy Dennis stepped to the plate and laid down a bunt. Hornsby advanced to third and Dennis beat the throw to first.
With runners on the corners and one out, Catherine Crawford hit a grounder to the first baseman. Crawford reached first on a fielder’s choice and Hornsby was tagged out at home.
Seeing the play, Crawford took off for second base and the Illinois catcher threw the ball to the shortstop, who immediately fired it back home to tag out Dennis for the third out.
Illinois threatened to score in the sixth inning, but UAB’s defense held strong. With runners on first and second and one out, Illinois laced a ball to center. Whitney Fletcher fielded the ball and threw home to catch the lead off runner. The next batter grounded out to UAB pitcher Amber Torres.
In the top of the eighth, Illinois scored the lone run on a wild pitch from Torres. In the bottom of the inning, UAB had the tying run on second, but after a great effort could not bring her home.
Leigh Streetman (1-0) started the game in the circle for UAB, pitching 4.2 innings. Torres (0-1) took over in the fifth inning and suffered the loss.
Illinois pitcher Pepper Gay (1-1) was credited with the win.
The Blazers take on Michigan State Sunday at 11:15 a.m. ET, before a match up with tournament host FIU at 3 p.m. in the final game of the Combat Classic.
Live stats and a live in-game chat will be available at www.UABsports.com
