Cheatham, Conner Fuel Pitchers Duel Victory for Blazers Over Bulls

Friday, March 21

Birmingham, Ala.

5 p.m.

UAB

15-7, 0

South Florida

11-9, 0

USF

UAB

Cole Cheatham

Photo by: Jacob Orr

Cheatham, Conner Fuel Pitchers Duel Victory for Blazers Over Bulls

3/21/2025 8:39:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

BIRMINGHAM - UAB (15-7, 1-0) won the pitchers' duel on Friday night as it took down South Florida (11-8, 0-1), 3-1. In a game that saw both starting pitchers pitch into the 7th inning, the Blazers prevailed in the two-and-a-half-hour-long contest.

Todd Clay got the Green and Gold started in the bottom half of the 1st with his first home run to right field to give the Blazers a 2-0 advantage.

Cole Cheatham kept the South Florida offense off-balance all night long. The senior southpaw tossed 6.2 innings, striking out five, and allowing just one run on a career-high 107 pitches.

The Bulls would pick up a run in the 4th inning as Lance Trippel reached on a fielder's choice to score Rafael Betancourt from third.

The Green and Gold would add an insurance run in the bottom of the 8th when Jaden Anderson singled to right to score Todd Clay from third.

Brendan Conner sat down all seven batters he faced on the night and slammed the door for a 3-1 Blazer victory. Conner picked up the seven-out save for his fourth save of the season. The Blazers have had a save opportunity in 10 of their 15 wins this season. The 10 saves lead the American Conference as Conner is now tied with Ryan Olson for the team lead.

The Blazers and Bulls return to action on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Young Memorial Field. ESPN+ will be televising the game. Saturday is Blazer Buddies Kids Club Day as members of BBKC will receive folding chairs and have the opportunity to play catch on the field postgame.

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