BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Interstat) — The UAB Blazers overcame an early five-run deficit with a relentless offensive surge, defeating the Alabama State Hornets 10-5 in a nonconference baseball game Tuesday afternoon at Jerry D. Young Memorial Field.

The game’s pivotal shift came in the bottom of the fourth inning. Trailing 5-2, the Blazers ignited for four runs to seize control. The rally started with a run-scoring single from Alex Dupuy. Then, with two runners on, designated hitter John Paul Head delivered the decisive blow, launching a three-run homer to right field to put UAB ahead 6-5.

UAB’s bullpen, led by Brendan Conner, ensured the lead would stand. Entering with one out in the fourth after Alabama State’s two-homer inning, Conner provided critical stability. He stifled the Hornets’ offense over 5 1/3 innings of relief, allowing just three hits and one earned run while striking out five to earn the win. His performance marked a strong rebound from a difficult outing against Cincinnati just three days prior.

Alabama State had built its early advantage behind catcher Trey Callaway, who powered the Hornets with a pair of home runs. His solo shot in the second inning opened the scoring, and his two-run blast in the fourth, following an RBI double from Jose Alfonso, briefly extended the lead to 5-2.

The Blazers answered decisively. After Head’s go-ahead homer, they added a run on a wild pitch in the sixth and broke the game open with a three-run seventh. Andrew Hunt capped his four-RBI afternoon with a two-run single in that frame, scoring Logan Beaver and Head.

Despite the loss, Alabama State’s bullpen trio of Joe Dolinshek, Zane Baltz and Jayden Torres combined for 2 1/3 perfect innings of relief. Hornets shortstop Breydon Divine went 2 for 5 with a double.

UAB improved its season record to 5-4, while Alabama State fell to 5-3. The Blazers finished their homestand and will host Jacksonville for a three-game series starting Friday. The Hornets return home to face Valparaiso in a three-game set beginning Friday.

The final result defied the projection from Interstat’s game simulator, which had forecast a 7-6 Alabama State victory, though it aligned with the same service’s ELO rating that gave UAB a 59.4% probability to win.