March 6, 2013

Box Score

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Junior Mike Muha was 2-for-4 with a run scored but a late rally camp up a run short as the Saint Joseph's baseball team fell at UAB on Wednesday by a 2-1 score. The game caps the Hawks' 12-game season-opening road trip.

Saint Joseph's (2-10) threatened early, loading the bases with two outs in the top of the second, but Blazers pitcher Sam Kelley induced a fly ball to end the threat.

UAB (6-7) notched both its runs in the bottom of the fourth, scoring on a groundout by Harry Clark and a bunt single by Matt Morse.

The Hawks loaded the bases once again in the fifth, but a double play ball ended the inning without a run crossing the plate.

SJU returned the favor in the bottom of the sixth, as the Blazers had the bases loaded and one out before Steven Schuler induced a double play ball out of Chase Davis to keep it a 2-0 game.

It stayed that way until the ninth, when Muha led off with a double and Chris Hueth followed up with a single. After a successful sacrifice bunt by Spencer Judge, Anthony Cirillo grounded out to first, allowing Muha to score and Hueth to advance to third as the tying run. Unfortunately for the Crimson and Gray, reliever Cameron Rose shut the door with a fly ball to end the game.

Muha finished with a run scored and two hits on the day. Freshman Jack Stover took the loss, tossing five and a third innings and allowing two runs in six hits. Schuler and Jimmy Yacabonis combined for two and two-thirds innings of hitless relief.

Jacob German faced one batter over the minimum in two and two-thirds to earn the win, while Rose recorded his second save of the season.

Saint Joseph's returns to Hawk Hill for its home opener on Friday afternoon. The Hawks will host Central Connecticut at 3:00 p.m. at Smithson Field. Gametracker and live audio will be available at SJUHawks.com.