FINAL STATS

BIRMINGHAM – Chase Davis had a pair of hits and scored two runs to lead UAB to a 4-1 lead over Jacksonville State at Young Memorial Field on Wednesday.
 
David Hayes (1-0) was one of seven Blazer pitchers and scattered two hits to earn the win for UAB, while Ryan Nance picked up his eighth save after recording the final three outs. JSU's Casey Antley (1-2) gave up three runs in three innings to suffer the loss for the Gamecocks.
 
The Blazers (27-23) jumped out to an early lead after Ivan DeJesus and John Frost each drove in a run as UAB took a 2-0 lead. Davis then scored an unearned run in the third inning after reaching on an error to extend the lead to 3-0.
 
Jax State (22-25) scored a run in the sixth inning after Kyle Bluestein extended his hitting streak to eight games with a single to shortstop. Erik Underwood followed with a single and Bluestein then came around to score on Coty Blanchard's infield grounder to cut the lead to 3-1.
 
UAB answered in the bottom of the sixth after Patrick Palmerio slugged his third home run of the season with a solo shot over the left field wall for the final margin.
 
Erik Underwood led the Gamecocks with a pair of hits, while Eberle, Bluestein, and Andrew Bishop each had a hit.
 
Jacksonville State returns to action with a three-game Ohio Valley Conference series at SIU-Edwardsville this weekend. Friday's game is scheduled for 6 p.m., while the games on Saturday and Sunday will each begin at 1 p.m.