The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Creighton
Blazers Take Game Two Versus Creighton 5-1
2/18/2017 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Final Stats (PDF)
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The UAB baseball team won game two of its opening weekend series against Creighton on Saturday afternoon. The Blazers had a strong team effort to improve to 2-0, as three pitchers combined to allow no earned runs while the offense produced five runs on six hits.
“That perfectly clean game last night that hardly happens, didn’t happen today,” said UAB head coach Brian Shoop. “We had some help in the (sixth inning). But when you score three-or-more runs an inning, what we call a big inning, you win most of the time.”
Creighton took the early advantage in the game in the top of the second inning after a throwing error and two hits led to the unearned run and 1-0 lead for Creighton.
UAB would tie the game in the bottom of the third inning as Price Visintainer had his first hit of the game which he stretched out to third base after a fielding error by the right fielder. Brewer Hicklen’s sacrifice fly two batters later would tie the game at 1-1.
Thomas Johns and Antonio Ralat each singled in the bottom of the fourth frame to put runners on first and second with just one out. Riley McCown put the ball in play which starter Keith Rogalla fielded, but his throw to second base to get Ralat sailed into the outfield allowing Johns to score and for the Blazers to take the lead at 2-1.
UAB starter Ryan Ruggles then closed his day out by retiring all three batters faced in the fifth inning. The Blazers nearly added another run that frame when Tyler Tolbert attempted to swipe home base but was tagged out in a close play at the plate.
The Blazers would not wait long until extending their lead to the final score of 5-1. Carter Pharis walked and Rogalla got the hook to begin the sixth inning. Ethan DeCaster then came on to pitch and the bases loaded up after McCown was hit by a pitch. Stephen Dobbs laced a single to right field to score Pharis. With the bases still loaded, Visintainer doubled down the left field line to score two more runs.
UAB relied on one inning from Austin Thomas and a dominant three innings from Carson Jones to finish the game. Jones allowed just two baserunners over the final three frames.
“I’ve seen better from Rugs, but he grinded through five,” said Shoop. “We think Carson is really good and going to be really good. He was lights out once he came in. He was almost as dominant as Garrett Whitlock was last night."
Shoop alluded to the fact that they are still weighing on whether to use Jones as a starter or out of the bullpen stating, “he is one of the key components to this team succeeding.”
Visintainer finished the day at 2-for-3 with one run and two RBI. He is now batting .500 through the first two games.
The Blazers and Bluejays close out the series tomorrow in what is expected to be a beautiful game at Regions Field. UAB is looking for its third 3-0 start in the last four seasons. Tanner Graham will take the mind to face Jeff Albrecht. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
