Blazers Fall to Notre Dame in Series Topper, 9-3

BIRMINGHAM – The UAB baseball team dropped the final game of its opening series against Notre Dame 9-3 on Sunday afternoon. The Blazers knotted things up at 3 in the bottom of the third after trailing early, but were unable to match a couple of strong innings by the Fighting Irish bats to follow.

Senior Colton Schultz and sophomore Pate Fullerton each came up with hits in key moments as Fullerton drove in UAB’s first score and Schultz picked up two RBI shortly after. Sophomore Tyler O’Clair got his first start on the bump this season, going four innings and fanning three batters before ultimately taking the loss.

“I look at it more from a series standpoint than a game standpoint. The series was super competitive for 26 of the 27 innings,” said coach Brian Shoop. “Today’s game got away from us in the eighth with a freshman making his first appearance in college baseball, and that happens. I thought it was a good series against a competitive team.”

The Fighting Irish struck first in the top of the second. Down to two outs following a 6-4-3 double play, they sent home two that had previously walked on a double to right center. Notre Dame then bolstered its lead in the third, beginning with a double and later driving in the run on a sacrifice fly.

The UAB bats woke up in the bottom of the frame, knotting things up at 3 apiece. The Fighting Irish first dinged senior Austin Triplett and junior Justin Wiley, setting up an RBI single by Pate Fullerton. Schultz followed that with a two-RBI double to improve upon his solid series and even the tally.

Notre Dame created separation once again in the top of the fifth, drawing a walk before knocking a two-run shot over right field. The Fighting Irish would put their final stamp on the game in the top of the eighth, scoring three on a two-RBI double where the batter managed to advance home on an overthrow. The final strike came in the form of an RBI double to give Notre Dame a 9-3 advantage it would hold onto till the end.

“I like our team. I think we have a good team,” said Shoop. ”We certainly have some specific things that we’re anxious to get back to work on, which we’ll do on Tuesday.”

Next week’s slate for the Blazers begins by hosting a midweek contest against Alabama State on Feb. 18 at Regions Field. UAB will then turn around and face Jacksonville State on the road on Feb. 19 before returning home to wrap up the week with a series against UNC-Asheville Feb. 21-23 at Regions Field. Live stat and streaming information for each game is available on the UAB baseball schedule page.

Fans may secure baseball season tickets by purchasing the 2020 Gold Card for $65. The Gold Card is an exclusive offer that grants you admission into all baseball, softball and women’s basketball events for the remainder of the academic year. Mini plans and single game tickets are also available here. Contact the UAB Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1 for more details.
 
For more information on the UAB baseball team, follow @UAB_Baseball on Twitter and Instagram.

-Go Blazers-