Memphis baseball drops series opener against UAB in 11 innings

Memphis baseball started a three-game series with UAB Friday night, but the Tigers dropped the opener after allowing a pair of solo home runs in the 11th inning.

Memphis got on the board in the first inning after Freddy Rodriguez homered in the first at-bat of the game, but the Blazers responded in the bottom of the second inning. 

In the fourth inning, Memphis took the lead again with back-to-back home runs from Brady McAbee and James Smith IV. UAB responded with a run in the fifth, two runs in the sixth and a run in the seventh to take a two-run lead into the eighth inning.

The Tigers tied the game in the eighth inning after recording two hits and three walks. 

The Blazers had an opportunity to win the game in the bottom of the ninth with bases loaded, but Webb Watson made a web gem, laying out to make a diving catch to get out of the inning.

After a scoreless 10th inning, Javon Hernandez drove in Marcus Smith with a single up the middle to break the tie. Matt Riser sent Logan Rushing back out to the mound in the bottom of the 11th, but he gave up two solo home runs, giving Rushing his third loss on the season.

With the loss, Memphis drops to 15-25 on the season and 7-9 in conference play. Game two is set for 2:05 p.m. CT on Saturday.