For the first time in the series, a run scored in the first inning as the Hilltopper struck with two outs Saturday morning. Jordan Vorbrink got the Red and White started with a two-out single to left field before Kelsey McGuffin reached second base on a fielding error that scored Vorbrink from first.
Paige Carter opened the fourth inning with a single to shallow center field before Brittany Vaughn advanced her into scoring position with a sacrifice bunt. Getting her first non-pitching start of the year, Haylee Towers stepped into the box and sent a two-out double to the right-center gap on the first pitch she saw to score Carter and double the WKU lead.
UAB struck for its second, third and fourth hits of the game in the bottom of the fourth inning but a fielder's choice, a Shelby Nunn strikeout and an outfield assist by Towers to catch a Blazer runner at the plate got the Hilltoppers out of trouble.
WKU took a 3-0 advantage in the top of the sixth when Carter led off with a single before moving to second on a sacrifice bunt by Vaughn and scoring on a fielder's choice by Towers.
In the bottom of the sixth, UAB scored a trio of unearned runs on three hits, an error and an obstruction call before the Hilltoppers could get out of the inning with the bases still loaded. After being retired in order to open the seventh the Red and White got to work on defense with two Blazer runners in scoring position and zero outs. Kelsey Aikey struck out the following batter on three pitches before WKU used a fielder's choice to get the lead runner at the plate. A flyout to left field sent the game to extra innings tied at three.
The series finale would ultimately go 11 innings before UAB used a bases loaded sacrifice fly to secure the 4-3 win over WKU. For the second time on the year, the Hilltoppers saw the third game of a series on the road last 11 frames.
WKU finished the day with multi-hit performances from both Carter (2-for-4) and Towers (2-for-5). UAB out-hit the Red and White 12 to 8 in the finale while each side left a double-digit tally of runners on base.
Starter Shelby Nunn started and finished the game, tossing 5.1 innings on the day while Aikey took the decision in relief. Aikey (10-6) threw 5.0 frames allowing just one run.
Next up, WKU will return home for a four-game homestand as No. 19 Kentucky visits The Hill for a Wednesday tilt before Marshall comes to town for another Conference USA series.
TOPPER NOTES:
- In her first non-pitching start of the season, left fielder Haylee Towers went 2-for-5 at the plate with a single, double and an RBI. Towers' multi-hit showing was her first of the season and ninth of her career.
- Jordan Thomas recorded her third triple of the season in the top of the 11th. Three knocks of the sort ties Thomas with Rebekah Engelhardt for the team lead. WKU now owns 12 triples on the year as a team.
- Jordan Thomas drew her 37th walk of the season in game three, tying the WKU Softball single season record with 11 regular season games left on the slate.
- Maddie Bowlds became the 13th batter in WKU Softball history to take 6 at bats in a game, tying the single game record.
- With Saturday's relief appearance, sophomore Kelsey Aikey moved into a tie for second on WKU's career relief appearances list with 34. The record is 39. Aikey already owns the single-season relief appearances record with 18 last year on her freshman campaign.
- Prior to last season's series in Bowling Green, UAB and WKU had never played an extra inning game. Since then, the sides have played three extra-inning contests across their last seven tilts. Across the last four meetings, the sides have played 37 innings.
- WKU is now 6-9 all-time against UAB. This weekend's series is the first time the sides have met in Birmingham for a C-USA slate. The Hilltoppers are now 1-5 all-time when playing in Birmingham.
