BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Interstat) — UAB erased an eight-run deficit with a furious late rally to defeat Middle Tennessee 9-8 on Saturday in the first game of a doubleheader.

The Blue Raiders built their lead behind Layne Akers, who homered and drove in three runs, and Tyler Minnick, who added two RBIs. Starter Chandler Alderman threw seven no-hit innings, allowing two earned runs.

The Blazers’ comeback began with a run in the sixth before exploding for five in the eighth, highlighted by a two-run homer from Landon Beaver. Trailing by one in the ninth, UAB loaded the bases and won it on a two-run single by Will Helms.

UAB improved to 10-6. Middle Tennessee fell to 9-7.