TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (Interstat) — The UAB Blazers erupted for eight runs in a chaotic top of the first inning and a parade of relievers combined for 8 1/3 hitless frames to dominate the Alabama Crimson Tide 11-2 in a nonconference baseball game Tuesday night at Sewell-Thomas Stadium.

The game, a swift reversal of a 12-6 Alabama victory just a week prior, was effectively decided in its opening moments. UAB sent 12 batters to the plate against Alabama starter Smyers and reliever Blackwood, capitalizing on two hit batters, two walks, three Crimson Tide errors and four timely hits. The Blazers scored eight runs on just five hits in the inning, with only three of the runs earned.

Alex Dupuy delivered the biggest blow, a two-run single to shortstop that drove in two runs. Brayden Waugh and A.J. Hunt also had RBI singles in the inning, which featured two runs scoring on a sacrifice bunt and throwing error by the Alabama third baseman.

From there, the story became the UAB bullpen. After starter Konner Keplinger allowed both Alabama runs on two hits in his two innings, the Blazers’ relievers were flawless. Isaac Warrick entered with two outs in the third and stranded two inherited runners, beginning a historic run of dominance. Warrick, Riley Miller, Brooks House and the UAB staff retired the final 19 Alabama batters in order, allowing no hits over the final 6 1/3 innings.

Warrick earned the win with 2 2/3 perfect innings, striking out three. House followed with three perfect innings, fanning two, and Miller added 1 1/3 perfect frames with two strikeouts. Alabama managed only five hits total, with John Lemm’s two-run homer to right-center in the sixth inning accounting for its only scoring.

UAB added single runs in the fourth and seventh innings. Dupuy finished 2 for 4 with three RBIs, while Hunt went 2 for 5 with two RBIs. The Blazers collected 11 hits but also grounded into two double plays.

Alabama used seven pitchers, with Owen Sarna providing the most stability. He tossed two scoreless innings, allowing one hit and striking out three. Joe Chiarodo and Connor Lehman each added a perfect inning of relief.

The most important part of the game was the immediate and overwhelming response by UAB in the first inning, which set a decisive tone. Following a disappointing 1-0 loss at South Florida just two days earlier and the lopsided defeat to Alabama the previous week, the Blazers seized control from the outset, demoralizing the home crowd and allowing their bullpen to operate with a massive cushion.

The victory improved UAB’s record to 26-15, while No. 13-ranked Alabama fell to 28-14. The Crimson Tide had been projected as a heavy favorite with a 78.8% win probability by Interstat’s ELO system, which had simulated a 5-4 UAB victory.

Alabama opens a crucial Southeastern Conference series at Tennessee on Thursday. UAB begins American Athletic Conference play at home against Memphis on Friday.