BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Slater Foust spun a complete-game gem securing a series win and doubleheader split for UTSA at Young Memorial Field Saturday.
The Roadrunners improved to 18-22 overall and 8-10 in Conference USA play, with a 4-1 victory in the nightcap. They dropped game one to the Blazers (17-24, 4-14) by a final of 7-3.
Foust allowed a lead-off home run to Jeff Davis but settled in and scattered just three hits and one walk the rest of the way. He retired 14 of the final 16 batters he faced, including 13 consecutive, before UAB registered two hits with two-outs in the seventh. This is his first-career complete game.
The offense gave him two runs on five hits in the second and added two more runs in the sixth.
All nine starters in the Roadrunners lineup recorded at least one hit in the finale. Bryan Arias led the way with a 3-for-3 outing.
Game One Recap: UTSA 3, UAB 7
The Roadrunners tallied a run in each of the first three innings but they stranded eight over the same period.
Making his fourth career start and second consecutive, Bradley Griggs deserved a better fate than his final stat line indicates. UAB knocked him from the game, scoring seven runs on six hits and two walks.
Of the five hits for the Blazers in the first, Christian Waltman was the only one to make solid contact. His two-out two-run double gave the home side a 5-1 lead and they were able to make enough pitches to secure the win.
The Roadrunners loaded the bases in the second, third and fourth innings but they were UAB's defense bailed out the pitching staff. Double plays in the second and fourth ended threats, with the one in the fourth being the critical play of the game. After a pitching change, Taylor Barber came off the bench for UTSA and lined a 2-2 offering down the first base line. The Blazers first baseman, Carter Pharis stuck his glove out in self-preservation and robbed Barber of extra bases. Pharis turned and stepped on first for an inning-ending double play.
Arias and Griffin Paxton led off the top of the seventh with consecutive singles but the third double play of the game put a runner on third with two outs. Tanner Rusk retired the next batter to earn his first save of the season.
UTSA returns home Tuesday and hosts Houston Baptist at 6 p.m.
