The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Jacksonville State
JSU Edges UAB, 6-5, Tuesday
3/6/2012 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 6, 2012
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -The Jacksonville State Gamecocks edged UAB, 6-5, in a seesaw-scoring affair Tuesday night at the UAB Softball Field. The Blazers fall to 8-9 on the season, while the Gamecocks improve to 4-12 overall.
UAB jumped out to an early lead in the bottom of the first inning, batting through the line up and scoring three runs. Whitney Fletcher singled to lead off the inning and scored on a Catherine Crawford double to left center. Kayla Orr singled to advance Crawford to third and Mandy Lowman walked to load the bases for Kristen McGrath. McGrath hit a blooper that fell just in fair territory in shallow left field to score Crawford and Orr.
Both Jacksonville State and UAB scored one run in the second inning, but the Blazers still held a 4-1 advantage.
In the fourth inning, the Gamecocks plated four runs on four hits. Abbey Stepp hit a solo shot off the scoreboard in right field to cut UAB's lead in half, 4-2. Hayden Crawford reached first on a fielder's choice, stole second and eventually scored on a single from Kaycee Crow.
With one runner on first, UAB pitcher Amber Torres walked the next two batters cueing a pitching change as Lauren Webster entered the game. JSU's Jessica Guy hit a two-RBI single, on a Webster offering, giving the Gamecocks a one-run lead, 5-4.
The Blazers answered in the fifth inning, tying the game at five. Lowman doubled to lead off the inning and Heather Pearson entered the game to pinch run and moved to third on a grounder by Kate Armstrong. Pinch hitter Hayley Davis hit a slow-roller to first, but the first baseman bobbled the ball, allowing Pearson to score and Davis to reach first safely.
Jacksonville State tacked on the winning run in the top of the seventh inning. With the bases loaded and two outs, Webster hit Kristin Graham with a pitch to walk in the decisive run.
Webster (2-1) was charged with the loss, pitching 3.1 innings, striking out six and giving up one earned run.
JSU pitcher Sam Snow (2-3) earned the win. She pitched the final five innings and allowed just one run and four hits.
The Blazers are back in action Saturday, when they open Conference USA play with a doubleheader against Memphis. First pitch is slated for 1 p.m.
