HUNTSVILLE | The University of Alabama in Huntsville softball team started its series with West Alabama off on a good note, winning 10-6 over the visiting Tigers at Charger Park. The Chargers improve to 24-10 (14-8 Gulf South Conference), while UWA slips to 16-23 (8-14 GSC).
 
Game Changer
-After falling behind 4-3, Alaina Hampton doubled in a pair of runs and Amber Hammonds hit a two-run homer as part of a four-run fifth that put the Chargers in front for good.
 
Inside the Box Score
-UAH outhit the Tigers by an 11-8 margin, and Reagan Malone led all players in the game with three hits from her leadoff position for the Chargers.
-Hampton and Hammonds both had two hits for the Chargers, and Hammonds drove in a team-high three runs while Hampton knocked in a pair.
-Each of Malone, Hampton, Hammonds, and Shelby Booker scored twice in the contest.
-Four of UAH's 11 hits were for extra bases with Malone, Hampton, and Brooke Miller all recording a double in addition to the home run from Hammonds.
-Jada Hayes picked up the win in the circle in relief, striking out a pair and allowing two hits in 2.1 innings of work.
-In 4.0 innings, starter Kiara Akles struck out five.
 
Key Plays
-The game was scoreless through the first three innings, and it was West Alabama who struck first as the Tigers crossed the plate three times in the top half of the fourth.
-Miller and Hampton doubled with one out in the home half, sparking a response from the Chargers as Hammonds, Wascavage, and Hayes would then each drive in a run to knot the affair at 3-3 going to the fifth.
-A sac fly for the guests pushed UWA back up 4-3, but the lead was short-lived as the two big hits – a two-run single from Hampton and the two-run jack from Hammonds – with two outs put the Chargers up 7-4.
-UAH then tacked on three more runs in the sixth with Malone doubling in a run and two more crossing home on a Tiger error, giving the hosts plenty of cushion even though UWA would score twice in the seventh to produce the 10-6 final.
 
Noteworthy
-The home run for Hammonds is her fifth of the season, and she matches a season-high with the three RBI while totaling 28 on the year.
-Hampton moves her RBI total to 33 on the season.
-Hayes moves to 4-1 on the year in 13 relief appearances.
-Miller now owns 13 doubles on the year to lead the team, while Hampton joins her in double figures at 10.
 
Next Time Out
-The two teams will wrap up the series on Sunday with a doubleheader that is slated to start at 1 p.m.