University of South Alabama Athletics

02/26/06– FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UAB SCORES TWO IN THE NINTH TO WIN 3-2

Box Score

CONTACT: Kevin Sytko

DOTHAN, Ala. -Joey Doan was the pitcher USA expected to have in his junior year. The former Mr. Baseball of Alabama was dominant in eight and one third innings but was unable to lead the Jags to victory as they fell 3-2 to the Blazers of UAB in the final game of the ScreenTech Classic in Dothan, Ala.

The Jags fall to 7-5 on the season. The Jags were only able to muster two runs against UAB pitching. Senior David Freese saw his hitting streak come to an end at 16 games. Doan went 8.1 innings fanning seven in the losing effort.

UAB got on the board in the third inning with a single run. Levi Patman singled up the middle with two out. J.R. Bond then followed with a double to left field off of the glove of a leaping Patrick Weaver. Patman scored from first but Bond was gunned down at third base by the USA relay.

USA answered in the top of the third inning. Guillermo Martinez led of with a single to right center field. Jeff Cunningham was then hit by a pitch, putting two on with nobody out. Bill Kleinschrodt sacrificed the two runners into scoring position. Joel Collins then bounced an RBI single over the head of UAB third baseman Zach Ward to tie the game at one. With one out, Ben Daw grounded out to the first baseman driving in Cunningham and giving the Jags their first lead of the game.

Doan dominated the Blazers for eight and a third innings. With one out in bottom of the ninth Ward singled to left center field. J.W. Donahue the doubled off of the glove of Jones in center field. Ward scored from first base to tie the game. Chase Christianson relieved Doan. Pitch runner Steve Turner then stole third base. Ryne Lovdahl then grounded to George at firstbase. George’s throw home was wide scoring the winning run for the Blazers.