The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Ball State
Ball State Squeaks by UAB Softball
2/14/2016 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Feb. 14, 2016
GULF SHORES, Ala. – The UAB softball team could not fend off Ball State as the Cardinals topped the Blazers, 3-2, at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex Sunday in the final game of the NCAA Sand Dollar Classic.
“Once again, we out hit our opponent, but we came up short plating runners,” said head coach Marla Townsend. “It is early in the season, but this hurts. We have to find a way to get runners home. We are challenging our pitching staff to go after their hitters. They are doing a good job of that, but we have to eliminate the walks.”
The Cardinals (2-3) plated the first runs in the third inning after a two-run home run by right fielder Rachel Houck.
The Blazers (1-4) responded in the bottom of the fourth. Senior Sara Beth Williamson led off with a single to center field followed by junior Mary Warren drawing a walk in a pinch-hit appearance. Senior Ashley Johnson laid down a sacrifice bunt to move the runners junior Danii Fernandez drove them home on a single to left field.
UAB issued a leadoff walk in the fifth inning that Ball State plated after a Blazer fielding error to notch the 3-2 victory.
The Blazers out hit Ball State recording 10 hits, while four Blazers recorded two hits in the outing. Fernandez led UAB finishing 2-for-3 with two RBIs.
Junior Cara Goodwin started in the circling for the Blazers pitching four innings, allowing three hits, two runs and two walks. Sophomore Megan Smith (0-3) closed the game with three innings of relief allowing two hits and one unearned run. The Pisgah, Ala., native allowed two walks while striking out two.
“I like the lineup and where we are at offensively,” Townsend added. "The pitchers are doing a great job. It just has to come together, and it has to come together now. We are challenging the team to make a few adjustments tomorrow, so we can get back out there and compete.”
UAB opens its 2016 home opener Tuesday against No. 5 Alabama. First pitch is slated for 6 p.m. CT.
For more information on the UAB softball team, follow the Blazers on Twitter (@UABSoftball). For more on all Blazer sports teams follow the official social media accounts of UAB Athletics on Twitter (@UABAthletics), on Facebook (Facebook.com/UAB.Blazers), on Instagram (@uabathletics) or on Snapchat (@uabathletics).
