Box Score

MOBILE, Ala. – A three-run offensive spurt in the third inning was enough for No. 25 University of South Alabama softball to dispatch UAB, 3-0, on Wednesday at Jaguar Field.
 
Despite racking up three hits and drawing two walks in the first two frames, the Blazers (15-7) failed to push any runs across, credited to an Emily Messer chuck from the outfield that beat a UAB runner at home and some tidy work in the circle by Hannah Campbell.
 
The Jaguars (24-5, 2-1 SBC) made the visitors pay in the bottom of the third, beginning with Britany Campbell’s solo shot to right center that gave the hosts a one-run advantage. Facing two strikes in the count apiece, Messer doubled and advanced to third on the throw, and Blair Johnson lifted her third homer of the year over the right field wall to put USA ahead by three.
 
H. Campbell preserved her fourth shutout of the year by striking out seven on the day, allowing only two more hits for the remainder of the contest to move to 11-5 this season. Leigh Streetman fell to 7-4 on the year after giving up three hits and three earned runs. Hannah’s twin sister, Lannah, relieved Streetman and gave up one hit in three innings of work.

"Overall, aside from the first inning, I thought it was a well-played game for us,"said USA head coach Becky Clark. "That was a big play by Messer in right field to keep them off the board. I though Hannah had a great day. She pitched out of a couple of jams with runners in scoring position. Our defense was solid, and then we got the timely hit.

"Britany and Blair really squared those balls up to get them out," she continued. "These kids work a tremendous amount in the (batting) cage. They are always staying in the mindset of saying "yes" to the ball. The work they do in there pays off out here." 
 
The Blazers outhit USA 5-4, but left seven runners stranded to USA’s two. South Alabama moves to 7-2 all-time versus the Blazers.
 
The Jaguars will return to Sun Belt Conference play this weekend when they travel to Miami for a three-game set versus FIU. The Panthers are a spot ahead of USA in league standings with four conference wins to USA’s two.
 
NOTES:
The Jags are now 9-1 at home…USA has now recorded six multiple-home run games…South Alabama has now hit eight home runs in the past four games…Messer’s hits broke a three-game drought for the freshman, who now has three multiple-hit games…B. Campbell’s homer was her second of the year and first over the fence, after she registered an inside-the-park home run against Central Arkansas in February…Johnson’ homer was her third of the year. The sophomore is currently riding an eight-game hit streak. H. Campbell’s ERA is now 0.99, and she is now 2-0 against UAB and the same against her twin sister.
 
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).