The Tulane Green Wave came close to finishing off their weekend series on a high note on Sunday, but a series of defensive mistakes and a walk-off two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth handed them a 5-4 loss to the UAB Blazers.
After UAB’s fourth defensive mistake allowed a pinch runner to score in the top of the ninth, Tulane had a chance to take the lead, but closer Sam Larson gave up a walk-off homer to Max Price in the bottom of the inning, sealing the win for UAB.
The Struggles of Tulane’s Late-Inning Defense
Tulane (14-15, 2-4) was swept on the road, failing to take the lead in any game until Sunday’s final match. Despite Larson’s struggles, the team was able to tie the game in the late innings. In the ninth inning, UAB (18-10, 4-2) had another defensive slip-up that allowed Evan Burg to score from second base, putting Tulane ahead 4-3.
But Larson’s struggles continued in the bottom of the ninth. After walking the first batter in an eight-pitch battle, he gave up a two-run walk-off homer. The ball flew over the head of center fielder Tanner Chun, who tried to leap and catch it but missed. This allowed UAB to take the win and extend their home-game success to 15-4.
“We played with more care and competitiveness today than we had all weekend,” said Tulane coach Jay Uhlman. “I can live with that. But it’s a tough one.”
A Hard-Fought Game With Opportunities Missed
Tulane came close to winning thanks to help from the Blazers’ mistakes. In the top of the ninth, Wesley Helms dropped a routine throw, and Brady Waugh made a wild throw after fielding a grounder. These mistakes allowed Tulane to take a 4-3 lead with Burg scoring.
Despite these opportunities, Larson struggled in the final innings. His performance on Saturday had already been shaky, and he could not contain the ball in Sunday’s crucial moments.
Strong Relief Pitching by Blaise Wilcenski
Tulane’s Blaise Wilcenski was a bright spot for the team. Coming in during the third inning, he retired 11 consecutive batters and helped keep the game within reach. The Wave eventually tied the game on a series of doubles and a sacrifice fly in the fourth inning. They even took a 3-2 lead on a solo homer by Tye Wood in the sixth, but the game flipped in the final two innings.
In the eighth inning, Beau Sampson replaced Wilcenski but gave up a solo homer to Waugh, tying the game at 3-3.
Final Heartbreak in the Ninth
Despite a defensive misstep by UAB, Tulane’s comeback hopes were dashed with Larson’s walk-off homer. UAB’s timely hits in the final two innings, including the game-winning shot, made the difference.
Upcoming for Tulane
After their tough loss, Tulane will host Nicholls on Tuesday before heading to Wichita State for an Easter weekend series starting Thursday. With a 1-2 record in the American Athletic Conference, the Green Wave will aim to bounce back and improve their position.
