The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
East Carolina
Blazers Drop Game One Against ECU
5/3/2024 7:13:00 PM | Softball
GREENVILLE – UAB Softball fell to East Carolina late Friday Afternoon in the first game of the series. The Blazers tallied up six hits and one error in the 1-6 loss to the Pirates.
The Green and Gold sit at a record of 12-13 in AAC play and 21-28 overall.
IN THE INNINGS
Entering the first inning, the Blazers drew a walk before tallying a fielder's choice from Hannah Dorsett. With a runner on first, the Blazers had two outs following a foul ball caught before Dorsett went for the steal, getting tagged out at second. With a three-up-three-down for the Blazer Defense, UAB entered the top of the second looking to draw the first run.
A leadoff single for Lindsey Smith started the second, followed by a sac bunt from Olivia Valbak to advance Smith to second. Two more outs came and went, bringing the game to the bottom of the second, where ECU left one stranded. The Blazers went hitless and runless in the third before the Pirates responded with a single and 2RBI homer to right center to take the early two-run lead.
The Blazers responded with a hit but were stranded. However, ECU added another two hits to the rotation and a run to increase the lead to 3-0. Entering the fifth inning, UAB went on a two-hit rally after a walk for Alyssa Aguilar. After advancing to second on a foul ball out, the Blazers' Hannah Miles delivered an RBI single to put the Blazers on the Board. Another base hit came onto the frame from Auburn Dupree to advance Miles to third, however, the Blazers left two.
After a three-up-three down from ECU in the bottom of the fifth, the Blazers went for a walk in the top of the sixth but were left stranded. The Pirates responded with a series of runners able to load the bases, with the Blazers giving up one hit and having a miscue. However, UAB was able to halt the rally with a flyball out to Bella Wiggins.
In the final inning of the game, the Green and Gold went on a hitting rally. With a walk drawn for Aguilar to start the inning, followed by a flyball out to the right field from Carlie Wilkins at pinch hitter, the Blazers looked to add another runner on. Hannah Miles sent a single to center field, putting two on base. Another hit from Hannah Dorsett loaded the bases and forced a pitching change for ECU.
With one more out, Bella Wiggins went 0-2 before popping up to the shortstop, ending the game.
IN THE BOX
- The Green and Gold went for six hits in the afternoon. Both Hannahs, Miles, and Dorsett led the game in hits with two apiece.
- The Blazers left eight runners on base, with three being left on base in the seventh.
- In the circle, Leigha Kirby led the game in strikeouts with three. She faced 27 batters and threw 98 pitches.
- Kirby's record now sits at 8-13.
UP NEXT
The Blazers take on ECU for Game two of the series on Saturday, May 4 at 1 p.m.
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