The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Weekly Preview: UAB Softball Revisits Bama, Hosts FIU
3/21/2023 2:20:00 PM | Softball
BIRMINGHAM – UAB Softball (13-15, 2-4) returns to action this week against No. 13 Alabama for a mid-week matchup, followed by returning to Mary Bowers Field for a conference series against another Florida foe in FIU.
The Blazers take on the Crimson Tide on Wednesday, March 22 at 6 PM at Rhoads Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. After a break on Thursday, UAB returns to action on Friday, welcoming FIU to Mary Bowers Field at 5 PM.
UAB (13-15, 2-4 C-USA) v. No. 13 Alabama (22-8, 1-2 SEC)
March 22 | 6 PM | Rhoads Stadium | Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Watch Live | Live Stats
SCOUTING THE CRIMSON TIDE
Over the two decades of meetings between the Blazers and Crimson Tide, UAB was close to securing their first win over Alabama but fell short 2-1. The Blazers were first to strike with a run and held the Crimson Tide from scoring up until the third inning. Neither team would add a run after that.
Alabama is currently ranked No. 13 in the ESPN rankings. The Crimson Tide entered their first week of conference play in the SEC with a matchup against No. 9 Arkansas, where they went 1-2 against the Razorbacks. Since the first meeting between UAB and Alabama, the Crimson Tide went 3-5.
The Crimson Tide currently sits at a record of 22-7, with the team second in the league in ERA allowing an average of 1.96. Grad Student Montana Fouts leads the team in W-L with a percentage of 78.57. On the offensive, Alabama sits at the number eight slot in total hits with 217 and ninth in runs scored with a total of 166. As a team, the Crimson Tide has held opponents to a batting average of .187.
UAB (13-15, 2-4 C-USA) v. FIU (15-15, 2-4 C-USA)
March 24-26 | Mary Bowers Field | Birmingham, Ala.
Watch Live | Live Stats (Statbroadcast)
SCOUTING THE PANTHERS
The Panthers currently sit at a record of 15-15, with a conference record of 2-4. UAB and FIU sit at the No. 8 and No. 7 spot this week, and both teams look to move up the ladder in league standings.
The Blazers and Panthers last met over a year ago on March 13, 2022, in the Sunshine State, where FIU defeated UAB 1-0. The Blazers however clinched the series after winning the first two games that weekend with run-rule victories of 8-0 and 13-1. The Panthers finished 19-31 overall and 5-19 in conference play.
The Panthers hold the fourth-place spot in batting average in C-USA standings with an average of .283. Isabella Perez leads the team in the same stat category with an average of .338, the Key West native enters her first year of collegiate competition with a career-high three hits in the Panthers' loss versus Louisiana Tech. On the defensive, FIU totaled a team-high 24 putouts over Kansas City at the beginning of the season, where they won 5-4. In the circle, Megan Kruger leads the way in ERA with an average of 1.85.
PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE
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Friday, March 24: "Teachers in the Bleachers" UAB Staff receive a free ticket, with an additional three tickets for guests to enjoy the opening game of the FIU Series.
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Saturday, March 25: "Camp Reunion" Kids who attended any 2022 UAB Softball camp will receive a free ticket.
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Sunday, March 26: "Bark at the Park" Cats, dogs, and otherwise, bring a furry friend to Mary Bowers Field to cheer/bark/meow on the Blazers.
FOLLOW UAB SOFTBALL
To keep up with UAB Softball, follow @UAB_SB on Instagram and Twitter. For game previews, stories, and more, check our UAB Softball home page.
2022-23 GOLD CARD
Softball season tickets are available by purchasing the 2022-23 Gold Card for $65. The Gold Card will allow you access to all home events for Women's Basketball, Women's Soccer, Men's Soccer, Volleyball, Baseball, and Softball. Fans can purchase a Gold Card by clicking here or calling the UAB Athletics Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1. For questions, email tickets@uab.edu.