TUCSON, Ariz. – The UAB softball team fell, 6-0, to Western Kentucky on the third and final day of the Hillenbrand Invitational in Tucson, Ariz.
The Hilltoppers improve to 6-3 on the season, while the Blazers fall to 5-5.
WKU struck first in the bottom of the fifth inning. The Hilltoppers loaded the bases thanks to a single, a walk and a hit by pitch. With no outs, Amanda Thomas stepped to the plate and hit a two-run double to right centerfield to give WKU the 2-0 lead.
The Blazers had an opportunity to manufacture runs in the top of the sixth inning. Senior Catherine Crawford walked to first base, but was forced out at second on the next play as senior Kayla Orr reached first on a fielder’s choice.
Senior Mandy Lowman singled to left field to advance Orr to second base. With two runners on base and two outs, designated hitter Kristen McGrath popped up to third base to end the inning.
The Hilltoppers added four more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. With two outs and runners on first and second, Preslie Cruce hit a hard line drive to Maegan Hornsby at second. The ball snuck under Hornsby’s glove and rolled to the right centerfield wall. Both base runners scored to increase WKU’s lead to 4-0.
In the next at bat, Thomas hit the first pitch over the leftfield wall for a two-run homer.
In the top of the seventh, junior Issa Brown singled to left field with two outs. Chandler Orr entered the game to pinch hit for Hornsby and popped up to shortstop for the final out.
Sophomore Leigh Streetman (1-2) suffered the loss for the Blazers. She struck out five batters, walked three and allowed two earned runs in four innings pitched.
Kim Wagner earned the win for WKU, pitching a complete game and fanning seven batters.
The Blazers return to action Tuesday, Feb. 21 in their 2012 home opener against nationally-ranked Alabama. First pitch is slated for 6 p.m. CT.
