Alabama
South Alabama Explodes Late to Down UAB 11-1
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (03/03/2026) — The South Alabama Jaguars put together a commanding performance at Riverwalk Stadium on Tuesday, securing an 11-1 victory over the UAB Blazers in a non-conference matchup. A potent offensive display, highlighted by decisive fifth and eighth innings, propelled the Jaguars to a dominant win.
The game began as a tightly contested affair. South Alabama struck first, plating a run in each of the first two innings to build an early 2-0 advantage. The Blazers' offense responded in the top of the third when Alex Dupuy delivered an RBI double to cut the deficit to 2-1.
For a stretch, it appeared the in-state rivals were destined for a close finish. Both pitching staffs settled in, putting zeros on the scoreboard and keeping the game within a single run. However, the complexion of the game changed dramatically in the bottom of the fifth.
Turning Point: Jaguars' Four-Run Fifth
The pivotal moment arrived in the bottom of the fifth inning. South Alabama's offense came alive, capitalizing on a UAB error to start a rally that broke the game open. The Jaguars pushed across four runs, two of which were unearned, to extend their lead to a comfortable 6-1. Rett Johnson provided the key hit of the frame, a two-run double to center field that capped the inning's scoring.
That rally proved to be the decisive blow. The Blazers' bats were unable to mount a comeback against a stout Jaguars pitching performance, which held UAB scoreless for the remainder of the contest.
Star of the Game: Rett Johnson
Rett Johnson was a central figure in the Jaguars' offensive outburst. His two-RBI double in the fifth inning was the critical hit that blew the game open for South Alabama. He was a consistent threat at the plate, contributing significantly to the Jaguars' 14-hit attack. Hayden O'Dell earned the win on the mound for South Alabama, while Justin Hicks was tagged with the loss for UAB.
South Alabama wasn't finished, adding a five-run exclamation point in the bottom of the eighth inning to seal the 11-1 victory. The late-game surge featured a string of timely hits and walks that put the game well out of reach for the Blazers.
What It Means
For South Alabama, the victory is a significant in-state win that continues to build momentum in their 2026 campaign. The offensive explosion, particularly in the later innings, demonstrates their capability to break games open. The Jaguars' ability to capitalize on their opponent's mistakes was a key factor in the outcome.
For UAB, the loss is a tough result in a neutral-site contest. The Blazers were competitive for much of the game but were undone by the big fifth inning. They will look to bounce back and clean up the defensive miscues that proved costly. UAB showed flashes of offensive potential but will need to string together more consistent at-bats to keep pace with high-powered offenses like South Alabama's.