Big First Inning Powers UAB Past Marshall 9-1

Friday, April 26

Young Memorial Field

6:30 P.M.

UAB

18-24, 5-14

Marshall

22-19, 9-10

Marshall

UAB

Big First Inning Powers UAB Past Marshall 9-1

4/26/2019 11:12:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score Box Score Updated Stats

BIRMINGHAM – UAB came out on fire scoring four times in the first inning en route to a 9-1 victory over Marshall on Friday night at Young Memorial Field.

Riley Davis shined on the mound for the Blazers (18-24, 5-14 C-USA), going 6.2 innings, allowing just one earned run, with five strikeouts and zero walks. Colton Schultz and Blake Johnson each had a pair of RBI and Ian Ladner hit his second home run of the season for UAB.

Joshua Shapiro took the loss for the Thundering Herd (22-19, 9-10 C-USA).

"The story of the night was Riley Davis," said head coach Brian Shoop. "We got a starter into the seventh inning, which was awesome. On top of that, we did not walk a single guy. And that is a formula for success."

UAB opened up the first inning with a one out double by Schultz. He advanced to third on a wild pitch, then scored on a throwing error by Marshall's catcher. Carter Pharis and Ladner each reached before Johnson drove the pair home on a single. Johnson would score after stealing second base and coming home on Nathan Anthes' single, which gave UAB a commanding 4-0 lead.

"We had so many quality at bats early and gave a Riley a lead to pitch with," added Shoop.

With two out in the bottom of the second inning, Schultz walked then scored on Zack Davis' triple. Ladner led off the bottom of the third with a home run to left, giving the Blazers a 6-0 advantage. Keegan Morrow reached on a throwing error and scored on Anthes' double. At the end of three innings, UAB was in the driver's seat 7-0.

R. Davis retired nine straight batters heading into the top of the sixth inning before Erik Rodriguez singled. After a fly out, the Blazers turned a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning.

In the top of the seventh, the Herd's Rey Pastrana got a two out double and scored on Raul Cabrera's single, ending R. Davis' night on the hill. He was relieved by Austin Stump, who retired all four batters he faced.

UAB scored two more times in the bottom of the seventh. Anthes and Justin Wiley each walked and were brought home by Schultz.

Ryan Wesson finished the game for the Blazers and got a 4-6-3 double play to end the contest.

UAB and Marshall meet Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. Prior to the contest, the 2012 Conference USA championship team will be honored in a pregame ceremony at 1:50.

Tyler Gates (2-0, 3.86 ERA) will take the mound for the Blazers and Wade Martin (0-2, 8.10 ERA) will start for the Herd.

For more information on the UAB baseball team, follow the Blazers on Twitter (@UAB_Baseball) or on Instagram (UAB_Baseball).