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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Even while being limited to just two hits on the day, Eastern Illinois baseball still took a lead into the bottom of the sixth inning, but UAB put together four-run rallies in the sixth and seventh to defeat the Panthers, 9-2, Friday afternoon.

Josh Mueller struck out eight and surrendered only one run over 5 1/3 innings. He did not issue a walk. But the two pitchers out of the EIU bullpen -- Mike Martin (0-1) and Brian Hannig -- were charged with eight runs in 2 2/3 innings of relief.

The Panthers (0-7) scored twice in the top of the sixth to take a 2-0 lead. Curt Restko led off with a walk and scored on an error by the UAB third baseman. Cam Strang then plated Alex Gee, who had also walked earlier in the inning, with a two-out single.

Ben Thoma had EIU's only other hit on the day, a leadoff single in the second.

UAB (5-2) took the lead for good on a two-run homer in the bottom of the sixth inning. The longball came after the game-tying run was plated by a two-out single.

The Blazers stretched out their lead with four runs in the seventh, connecting for three extra-base hits – including another two-out, two-run homer.

All five hits Mueller surrendered were singles. He struck out the side in the second inning after giving up consecutive base hits to open the frame. He also escaped the third thanks to an inning-ending double play with runners on first and third.

Game two of the series is slated for a 2 p.m. first pitch. The probable pitching matchup is EIU's Mike Recchia (Jr, RHP) vs. UAB's Ryan Woolley (Jr, RHP).