BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Indiana State secured the series opener with UAB Friday afternoon with a 1-0 shutout victory over the Blazers at Young Memorial Field. Indiana State improved to 10-5 while UAB fell to 6-9.
 
It was a pitcher's duel nearly the whole contest until Indiana State was able to break through in the ninth inning of action. Diego Gines recorded a one-out single through the middle of the infield, followed by a single from Seth Gergely to right to setup runners at the corners. Redshirt freshman Grant Magill came to the plate and put down a bunt on a squeeze play that would allow Gines to come in from third to put a run on the scoreboard.
 
That was all that ISU needed as Connor Fenlong entered in the bottom half of the inning and did not surrender a run to claim his third save of the season.
 
Southpaw Geremy Guerrero put together another strong effort on the mound in his fourth start of the year. The redshirt senior went eight complete and did not allow a run while striking out nine batters. With the win, Guerrero improved to 4-0 on the season and lowered his ERA to 1.14. UAB was able to spray four hits over 28 at bats against Guerrero.
 
Gines and Gergely each tallied two base hits to lead Indiana State. Dominic Cusumano and Magill added a hit each. Overall, ISU outhit UAB 6-4 on the day and never allowed more than one hit in an inning to the Blazers.
 
Riley Davis was terrific on the mound for the Blazers. The right-hander struck out seven and did not allow a run in seven innings. Evan Ingram took the loss for UAB after allowing the go-ahead run in the ninth, falling to 0-1. Jess Davis led UAB with a two-hit day.
 
Indiana State will look for a series win on Saturday with a 2 p.m. ET first pitch.
 
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