Feb. 25, 2003

Box Score

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - UAB used 12 runs off nine hits to claim a 12-0 shutout of Alabama State in baseball action Tuesday evening at Young Memorial Field. The Blazers are 9-0 and tied for the best start in school history. UAB also began the 1984 campaign at 9-0.

Designated hitter Matt Womble had a three-run home run and left fielder Mitch Jones improved his hitting streak to five games with a two-run homer to lead the Blazers.

Chris Thorup (1-0) picked up the win for UAB after working five complete innings. He allowed no runs, two hits, no walks and struck out four. Lyle Northington pitched the sixth and Allen West worked the seventh for the Blazers. Both pitchers recorded two strikeouts apiece.

The game was called after the top of the seventh inning as the 10-run rule was in effect.

"We were concerned coming in because the last time we faced their starter (Kenny Hudson) he really shut us down," said UAB head coach Larry Giangrosso. "We were worried about the game because of who was on the mound. I was real proud of the way our guys adjusted to him tonight. Overall, we are real excited about the way we are playing and the things that are happening.

"It was great to see Chris (Thorup) come out and throw. He gave us five really solid innings and that's what we expected. I thought Lyle (Northington) and Allen (West) did a good job tonight as well."

Center fielder Ashley Allen was 2-for-3 at the plate to lead the Hornets.

Hornet starter Kenny Hudson took the loss after pitching two and one-third innings and allowing eight runs (seven earned) and five walks to go along with a strikeout.

UAB travels to Samford's campus Wednesday to take on the Bulldogs at 3 p.m.