Lady Vols’ Dominance Continues, But UAB Shows Grit in 6-1 Loss
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The #1 Tennessee Lady Vols extended their winning streak with a 6-1 victory over UAB on Friday, but the Blazers proved to be a formidable opponent, battling through seven innings and breaking up Karlyn Pickens’ no-hit bid in the seventh. A standing-room-only crowd of 1,264 witnessed a contest marked by strong pitching and timely hitting.
Pickens’ Stellar Performance and UAB’s Late Rally
Karlyn Pickens continued her impressive start to the season, delivering a complete game with 11 strikeouts. She allowed just two hits, and the Blazers’ lone run was the first earned run she’s conceded all year. UAB’s offense struggled to discover its rhythm against the All-American pitcher for much of the game, but managed to break through in the seventh inning.
Abbi Perkins’ single to shallow left field initiated the rally, and Ashlyn Shirah followed with a line drive single down the right field line, advancing Perkins’ pinch runner, Kaily Collett, to third. Madeline Flammia then beat out a potential double play, scoring Collett and marking the first run against Tennessee since February 6, 2004.
Offensive Highlights and Key Moments
Tennessee’s offense was powered by home runs from Ella Dodge and Makenzie Butt, both three-run blasts. Dodge’s homer in the third inning opened the scoring, while Butt’s in the seventh provided insurance. Boise State transfer Sophia Knight also contributed with a game-high two hits.
Blazer Streaks and Defensive Standouts
Despite the loss, UAB showcased resilience and individual brilliance. Ashlyn Shirah extended her on-base streak to 23 consecutive games, while Abbi Perkins extended hers to 16. Perkins also threw out two Lady Vols attempting to steal, a feat not accomplished by a UAB catcher since April 30, 2022.
Pitching Duel and UAB’s Improved Performance
UAB’s Olivia Cummings started the game, pitching three innings and allowing three earned runs. Reliever Davidson pitched three strong shutout innings before Butt’s seventh-inning home run. This marked the first time in four all-time matchups that UAB wasn’t run-ruled by Tennessee.
Looking Ahead: UAB’s Green and Gold Classic Schedule
UAB continues play in the Green and Gold Classic on Saturday, February 21, with games against Southern Illinois at 2 p.m. And Missouri State at 4:30 p.m.
FAQ
Q: How many strikeouts did Karlyn Pickens record?
A: Karlyn Pickens recorded 11 strikeouts.
Q: What is Ashlyn Shirah’s current on-base streak?
A: Ashlyn Shirah’s on-base streak is 23 games.
Q: When was the last time UAB scored against Tennessee before this game?
A: UAB last scored against Tennessee on February 6, 2004.
Q: Who hit the home runs for Tennessee?
A: Ella Dodge and Makenzie Butt hit the home runs for Tennessee.
Pro Tip: Consistent on-base percentage, like Shirah’s 23-game streak, is a key indicator of a player’s ability to contribute to their team’s offense, even without hitting for power.
Did you know? UAB’s ability to extend the game to seven innings against the #1 team in the nation demonstrates significant progress for the program.
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