Box Score

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Louisiana Tech rallied over the final two innings to defeat UAB 6-4 in the first game of a Conference USA doubleheader Saturday afternoon at the UAB Softball Complex.

The Blazers rallied from a four-run deficit in game two to defeat LA Tech 8-6 to split the day one contests as the two teams will play the rubber match on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Game 1 (LA Tech 6, UAB 4)

Tech (26-11, 9-5 CUSA) scored a pair of runs in the top of the seventh inning and then held UAB at bay in the bottom half of the frame as the Lady Techsters pulled out the game one win.

Tied at 4-4 entering the seventh, Tori Charters drew a leadoff walk and advanced to second on a single up the middle by Anna Cross. Pauline Tufi then followed with a single to left centerfield, scoring Charters as Tech took a 5-4 lead. After both Tufi and Cross advanced to second and third base on the play, Kassie Harris hit a sacrifice fly to right field to plate Cross for the second run of the frame.

In the bottom of the seventh, Tufi worked around a couple of walks to retire the Blazers, picking up her fifth win of the season in relief.

UAB took a 1-0 lead in the first inning before Tech responded in the top of the second. The Lady Techsters scored three runs on five hits, including RBI hits by Karlee Jensen and Kristen Miles.

The Blazers rallied with a single run in the second and two more in the fourth to retake the advantage 4-3. Tech tied the game in the top of the sixth inning. Bianca Duran singled and advanced to second on a Janine Godwin walk before Katie Smith advanced both runners with a sacrifice bunt. Jensen then followed with a sacrifice fly to left field, scoring Duran with the tying run.

Duran got the start in the circle, allowing three runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out one batting in 4.0 innings of action. Tufi (5-0) picked up the win, holding UAB scoreless over the final three innings of work while issuing four walks and no hits.

Offensively, Tech was led by Tufi (2-4, 1 RBI), Duran (2-4, 1 run), Jensen (1-2, 1 run, 2 RBI), Miles (1-3, 1 RBI), Charters (1-3, 1 run), Cross (1-3, 1 run), Godwin (1-3, 1 run) and Lindsey Neyland (1 run).

Game 2 (UAB 8, LA Tech 6)

UAB capitalized on a six-run third inning to rally from an early four-run deficit and defeat Louisiana Tech 8-6 in the second game of the doubleheader.

Tech came out of the gate strong from the start of the game, scoring three runs on four hits in the top of the first inning. Pauline Tufi recorded a two-run single through the right side and Bianca Duran added an RBI single in the inning. The Lady Techsters appeared to have scored a fourth run but pinch runner Casey Ingram was called out at home on a single by Janine Godwin when it appeared she was safe.

After UAB scored a run in the bottom of the first, Tech added two more runs in the second. Once again Tufi came through with a two-run single to right field, scoring Charters and Cross as the lead increased to 5-1.

Tech starter Bailey Allen, who entered the game 6-1 on the year, struggled in the bottom of the third inning. After getting the leadoff hitter out, Allen surrendered four straight singles as the Blazers cut the deficit to 5-3. Tufi came on in relief and gave up a single to load the bases for Amy Dennis, who followed with a grand slam home run over the centerfield fence as UAB led 7-5.

Tech loaded the bases in the top of the fourth inning as Tufi just missed a grand slam as her deep fly ball to centerfield scored Kristen Miles from third base, cutting the deficit to 7-6.

UAB added a run in the fourth to lead 8-6. The score remained 8-6 heading into the top of the seventh inning. Duran led off with a single and two outs later pinch hitter Taylor Brintzenhoff reached on an infield single to put runners on first and third. With Miles at the plate, UAB pitcher Megan Smith threw a wild pitch and Godwin appeared to have scored from third base on the play. However, for the second time in the game, a Tech runner was called out at home, this time ending the game.

Tufi (5-1) took the loss, allowing two runs on three hits and one walk in 3.1 innings of action.

Offensively, Tufi led the charge, going 3-for-3 at the plate with 5 RBI. Duran (2-4, 1 RBI), Godwin (2-3), Miles (1-3, 2 runs), Charters (1-3, 1 run), Cross (1-3, 2 runs), Jensen (1-3) and Brintzenhoff (1-1) also added offensively.