May 2, 2003

Box Score

BIRMINGHAM, AL - The Charlotte 49ers dropped the first game of their Conference USA series with UAB, 8-3.

George Sandel paced the 49ers with three hits. While, Thomas Bowker added two hits for the 49ers.

UAB scored a couple of runs in the first inning on three hits. Mitch Jones led off for the Blazers with a home run over the right field wall. Then, Daniel Hill scored the inning's other run on a Charlotte passed ball.

The Blazers increased their lead to 4-0 when Kyle Leon connected on a two-run home run over the right field wall in the third inning.

UAB tacked on another run in the fifth inning when Jones connected on his second home run of the game over the left center field wall.

Charlotte cut into the UAB lead with two runs on three hits in the sixth inning. George Sandel scored the 49ers first run on Thomas Bowker's triple to right field. Then, Bowker scored on Randall Poplin's double to left field.

The Blazers increased their lead, 6-2, with a run in the seventh inning.

The 49ers made it a three run game when Sandel scored in the eighth inning after stealing third base and home on a failed UAB pickoff attempt of Bowker at first base.

UAB scored the game's final two runs on three hits in the ninth inning.

The two teams will conclude their Conference USA series with a doubleheader, Saturday, May 3 at 3 pm.