UAB downs Techsters, 10-6

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Kylie Neel recorded her second straight three-hit performance and Tristin Court homered but Louisiana Tech dropped the series opener against UAB 10-6 Friday night at Mary Bowers Field.

Tech (13-20, 3-2 C-USA) saw a nine-game winning streak at Mary Bowers Field come to an end as a five-run second inning by the Blazers (19-16, 6-3 C-USA) was too much to overcome.

In a scoreless game in the bottom of the second, Tech was one out away from putting a zero on the scoreboard but an error on a dropped throw to first base kept the inning alive. UAB then saw five straight batters reach on four hits and a walk as the Blazers plated five unearned runs to take a 5-0 advantage.

Tech responded in the top of the third. Amanda Gonzalez tripled to right center and then scored on a throwing error by the Blazers on a Bailey Wright sacrifice bunt. Jordyn Manning followed with an RBI single and then Neel doubled off the base of the right field wall to drive home the third run of the inning.

UAB added single runs in the fourth and fifth to up the advantage back to 7-3. The Blazers then recorded back-to-back home runs – a two-run shot and a solo shot – in the bottom of the sixth inning to blow the game open.

With Tech down to its final out, Court launched her second home run of the season – a three-run shot – over the left centerfield wall to close the gap to 10-6.

Audrey Pickett (4-9) took the loss, allowing nine runs – only three earned – on eight hits and five walks in 5.1 innings of action. Emma Hutchinson worked the final 0.2 innings, allowing one run on one hit.

Neel was 3-for-4 at the plate while Gonzalez added two hits.

The two teams will play a doubleheader Saturday starting at 1 p.m.