BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (March 1, 2025) – The University of North Alabama baseball team fell to the UAB Blazers at Young Memorial Field by a 1-0 final on Saturday in a defensive slugfest.
The Lions freshman Tripp Patterson went the full length of the game, allowing only one hit to the Blazers.
North Alabama made some changes to the lineup in this one. Graduate Zak Majer led off for UNA as a designated hitter, as his only other hit came in the first game of the series against UAB yesterday.
Freshman Wes Walker got the start at catcher, while Jackson Ferrigno joined the infield at third base again. Out of left field, junior transfer Ryker Billingsley got his first action of the young season.
This one was all defensive as the first two innings went three straight outs for both teams. The first non-out came in the top of the third from Billingsley as he singled down the right side to lead it off. However, three more outs ensued for the Lions.
Patterson continued to shine as he kept most Blazers off the bases and when he did not, his defense stepped in. He walked the lead off batter at the bottom of the third but then his defense turned a double play and grabbed a pop up to end the inning.
North Alabama had movement in the top of the fifth as senior Jonathan Lane singled before he got caught stealing. Billingsley got on by way of walk and Alex Wade received a gift from the pitcher as he was hit to earn a base. A fielders choice ended the inning, leaving two Lions on base.
The bottom of the sixth turned hectic as the lead Blazer got on by way of error and then stole second to get into scoring position. However, a fielders choice got the runner out at third, allowing a new runner on at first. The Lions escape the error and strand one on base.
The momentum ensued for UAB in the bottom of the seventh as their offensive weapon Logan Braunschweig got hit by a pitch from Patterson to lead off. He stole second before a pop up bunt for the first out. Another Blazer joined the base path by way of walk. Both runners then stole their next bases. A ground out to second base pushed Braunschweig to home plate to get the lone score, making it 1-0.
Another push in the eighth and ninth innings fell short as the Lions notched a hit to try to tie the game.
The Lions had five hits on the day while Blazers had just one. North Alabama left five players on the bases as UAB left three. Ryker Billingsley went 2-2 with a walk. Majer notched a double for his lone hit of the day.
As mentioned, Patterson went the full eight innings of the game. He threw one strikeout but only allowed one hit, which did not come until the bottom of the sixth inning. He recorded his first loss of the season despite the one hitter.
Pitchers of Record
W – Colin Daniel (3-0)
L – Tripp Patterson (1-1)
S – Ryan Olson (2)
COMING UP NEXT
The Lions play game three of the series tomorrow at 12 p.m. at Young Memorial Field.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
