Birmingham, Ala. – UTSA jumped out to an early lead, but UAB responded to claim a 10-4 victory over the Roadrunners in the series finale at Mary Bowers Field in Birmingham, Ala. The Blazers (22-29-1, 13-7-1) claimed the series 2-1 over the Roadrunners (19-27, 7-14 C-USA).
Offensively, UTSA recorded seven hits on the day, including a pair of home runs from freshman Ashlynn Walls and junior Candice Hadd. Overall, Walls led the Roadrunners with three hits and two RBI, while sophomore Celeste Loughman hammered out two hits, and sophomore Kylea Nix dished out a hit.
In the circle, two pitchers saw action for the Roadrunners. Senior Lizzy Fox earned the start and was charged with the loss. The right-hand hurler surrendered five runs on five hits, but did not relinquish a walk. She gave way to freshman Madison Nelson who tossed the remaining four innings, allowing three runs on five hits with one walk while matching her season-best four strikeouts.
UTSA was the first to score, batting seven batters in the top of the first inning thanks to some help from UAB. With one out, junior Bailee Baldwin was the first Roadrunner to reach base on a walk. Walls followed with a home run over the right center fence. With UTSA leading 2-0, freshman Victoria Villarreal reached on a fielder's choice, but UAB retired the next three batters to end the frame.
The Blazers responded with a three-run first inning to take the lead. Natalie Erwin got UAB on the board with a home run to left field. The home squad extended its momentum with a double and a Rachel Rogers home run over the center field wall.
Leading 3-2, UAB added an insurance run in the bottom of the second inning. With one out and a Roadrunner fielding error putting a Blazer on third, the Blazers capitalized on a wild pitch to drive in their fourth run of the game.
UAB extended its lead with a pair of home runs and a two RBI single in the bottom of the third while adding two runs in the bottom of the fourth.
With the Blazers owing a 10-2 advantage, UTSA utilized a pair of singles and a pair of walks to load the bases and walk in a run in the top of the fifth to keep the game from ending on a run rule situation.
In the top of the sixth Hadd belted out a solo home run to cut UAB's lead to six. The Roadrunners followed with a pair of walks and a single to load the bases one more time, but a solid UAB defense keep UTSA from adding any more runs for the remainder of the game.
UTSA returns to action on Tuesday, May 1 as the Roadrunners host UIW in its last nonconference game of the regular season. First pitch is slated for 5 p.m.
