LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama baseball team battled back to force a split in the Saturday doubleheader with a 7-5 win over North Alabama on Saturday. UWA (22-16, 3-8 GSC) dropped the first game of the twinbill 4-2. North Alabama sits at 23-20, 5-6 in the Gulf South Conference.
The Tigers bombarded UNA with six runs in its first at bat of game two. With one down and two runners on, the Red and White strung together three hits to score its first two runs of the game. With the bases full of Tigers, Marc Mahler drew a walk to plate the third run. Following a strikeout, Dallas Rogers laid down a bases loaded, sacrifice bunt to score Colin McKeen. Lige Mitchell and Mahler also scored on the play as Lion third baseman Dewayne Gunn threw the ball away on an error.
UWA added its only other run of the game in third inning as Rogers singled to left field to score Mitchell.
Cory Lopez (2-5) grabbed the win. The Walker, La.-native pitched 5.1 innings, allowing five runs on six hits with a pair of walks and strikeouts. Moses Munoz and Brian Burgess also tossed in relief. Burgess (9) garnered the save with the final inning of work, allowing a hit and fanning two UNA batters. Munoz pitched 2/3 of an inning with a walk and strikeout.
The Lions began a rally attempt in the fourth inning, as the Purple and Gold scored two runs. UNA added three more in the sixth before dropping the contest.
In game one, the Lions clung to a 2-0 lead through eight innings. UNA added two insurance runs in the top of the ninth to prove the difference in the affair. Blake Stroth scored on a throwing error by Josh Varner to cushion the Purple and Gold's lead. Chase Porch became the final run of the inning as he scored on a Gunn sac fly to left field.
UWA plated its first two and only runs of the outing after the Lions had taken a 4-0 lead. McKeen hit a two-run homer, his fifth of the season, over the left field wall to pull the Tigers within 4-2.
Neil Brown settled down to sit down the next three UWA batters to capture the win.
Mitch Handley (5-4) recorded the win with eight innings on the bump. Handley surrendered just five hits on the night with two strikeouts and walk.
West Alabama and North Alabama close out the series on Sunday, Apr. 18. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. The Tigers will honor its 13 seniors before the beginning of Sunday's action. The three game set will be broadcasted on ESPN 104.9 FM and at www.uwaathletics.com. Live stats and live video will also be available on UWA's official athletic website.
