Blazers Shut Out Wichita State, 3-0

Friday, April 19

Wichita, KS

6 PM

UAB

21-22, 0

Wichita State

19-19, 0

UAB

Wichita State

Blazers Shut Out Wichita State, 3-0

4/19/2024 8:26:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

WICHITA – UAB Softball concluded the first game of the Wichita State series with a two-hitter performance from Leigha Kirby. The Blazers defeated the Shockers 3-0 off five hits and had one defensive error on the night.

The Blazers improved to 21-22 overall and 12-7 in AAC play after the victory.

IN THE INNINGS
The Blazers begin the game with a leadoff single from Auburn Dupree, followed by Hannah Dorsett being hit by a pitch. With the Blazers loading two bases early, the Green and Gold look to continue the momentum. Bella Wiggins follows with a sacrifice bunt to send Dorsett and Dupree closer to home plate before Lindsey Smith delivers a 2RBI triple to right field.

With UAB up two runs to zero, Leigha Kirby shows her prowess in the circle, and on the defense. An early error from Kirby was enough for the Green and Gold to course correct, not allowing another opportunity for the Shockers to reach base in the first. The Blazers continued to reach base in the following inning, with a walk and another single from Dupree to put two more Blazers on base. However, UAB was unable to score, stranding two in the second.

Defensively, the Blazers continued to flex, with a 1-2-3 inning in the second. Wichita State responded with a three-up-three-down in the third, before the Blazers reversed the action in the third with a strikeout on the docket for Kirby. This continued through the fourth and top of the fifth, with two UAB batters struck out before Wichita State reached on a fielder's choice after an HBP. The Green and Gold kept WSU hitless with a flyball out into the hands of Bella Wiggins.

UAB continued to lead 2-0 before a one-out base hit from Olivia Valbak allowed UAB to score once again. With McKinley Hubbard entering at pinch runner and Carlie Wilkins subbing at pinch hitter, the Blazers collected run three with a defensive miscue from the Shockers to plate Hubbard. Droddy struck out looking, bringing the game to the bottom of the sixth.

The Shockers collected their first hit of the evening with a double to left field but were halted after back-to-back outs. The Blazers responded in the seventh with a single from Hannah Miles, who was caught stealing later in the inning. The Blazers closed out the bottom half of the final inning with a groundout, followed by a strikeout before the Shockers singled to left field again. Kirby and the defense closed the inning and game with a groundout and shutout victory.

IN THE BOX

Kirby collected her second two-hitter of the season, her first being against UTSA.
Auburn Dupree led the team in hits with two on the evening.
Lindsey Smith collected her third triple of the season.
UAB takes the overall series two wins to Wichita State's one.

UP NEXT
UAB returns to action on Saturday at 6 PM to face Wichita State for Game Two of the series. The First Pitch is set for 6 PM CST.

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