BIRMINGHAM, Ala. | Alabama State dropped a 7-3 decision during mid-week action versus UAB Thursday evening at Mary Bowers Field.

The Blazers managed to get to Alabama State starter Justine Jean, as UAB posted five runs in the second inning to take control. Natalie Erwin started the rally with a two-run single, and later stole second to get runners on second and third. Though the Lady Hornets managed a force out on the next at-bat, the bases ended up loaded, and Sarah Crawford cleared the bags with a double.

In the third, Alabama State got on the board with heads-up baserunning. After Jordan Amerson reached on a fielder's choice and Casey Durham singled to advance the runner, Kaitlyn Kilner -- who came on to pinch-run for Amerson -- swiped third base. Durham later nabbed second, and the ensuing pickoff attempt was airmailed, allowing Kilner to cross home plate.

Durham sent a pitch over the left center wall to bring Alabama State within 5-2, but UAB was gifted two more runs in the sixth thanks to wild pitches that allowed runners home. Durham hit a RBI single in the seventh to drive in Amira James, but the Lady Hornets ended the inning -- and the game -- with two runners stranded.

Durham was 3-for-4 on the night. Hatty Shope, Charlene Castro, Kristin Gunter, Kimberlee Owens and James each had one hit. Jean was assessed the loss, allowing eight hits and seven runs -- all earned -- in 6.0 innings. She walked six UAB hitters.
 
Alabama State returns to action Tuesday night on the road against Alabama A&M in a conference doubleheader that was rained out in Huntsville earlier this month.
 
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