April 21, 2010

Box Score

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford softball team closed out its homestand against UAB with a 7-1 loss in its final home midweek game of the season. The Bulldogs fall to 13-27 on the year while the Blazers improve to 30-15.

The Blazers put one run on the board in the top of the first inning on a single by Mandy Lowman to drive in Cameron Skates from first base. They then added five more in the top of the second on a lead-off homer by Kate Armstrong and a two-out grand slam by Skates to go up, 6-0.

After UAB retired three Bulldogs in a row in the bottom of the second inning, Kayla Orr led off the third inning for the Blazers with another lead-off homer to left-center field. However, the Bulldogs were able to get out of the inning with three straight outs.

Aaren Fisher returned the favor in the bottom of the fourth with a lead-off home run of her own to get the Bulldogs on the board. Then Katie England followed with a single to deep right-center but was thrown out at second base as Amanda Barrs reached on a fielder's choice. Barrs moved to second when Amanda Jordan grounded out to second base. However, UAB got out of the inning as pitcher Alisha Smith struck out Kayla Shaffer swinging. But the Bulldogs cut the Blazer lead to six, 7-1.

Tessa Frates led off the bottom of the fifth inning for the Bulldogs with a double, which was just her fourth hit of the season. However, the Blazers recorded three straight outs to end the inning.

UAB loaded the bases in the top of the seventh inning with no outs but Bulldog pitcher Amanda Barrs put together back-to-back strikeouts followed by a fielder's choice to record the third out and get out of the inning.

England led the Bulldogs with a 2-for-3 performance at the plate while Fisher, Barrs and Frates each had a hit for Samford. Fisher's home run gave her the only run and only RBI for the Bulldogs.

Emily Waters (1-3) started in the circle for Samford and pitched one and two-thirds innings before being taken out. She gave up two earned runs on six hits. Kayla Burris pitched one and one-third innings of relief, giving up one earned run on one hit while striking out two batters. Stephanie Royall pitched two innings and gave up just two hits while recording one strikeout before Barrs closed out the game, giving up just two hits and striking out three batters.

Hailey Glynn and Skates led the Blazers, both going 2-for-2 at the plate. Skates also scored two runs and had three RBI while five other UAB players each had one hit.

Alisha Smith (11-8) earned the win, pitching a complete game and giving up just one run on five hits. She struck out nine batters and walked zero.

Samford will be on the road this weekend as it jumps back into Southern Conference action at Elon Saturday and Sunday.