Southern Miss defeated UAB 2-0 in game one of the Conference USA tournament on Thursday after a weather delay pushed the game back several hours.

When play finally commenced, the biggest battle was on the mound, as Southern Miss only allowed four hits in the shutout, and the Blazers only allowed one earned run on four hits in what would otherwise be a dominant pitching performance.

The Golden Eagles struck first in the second inning when Matt Walner scored on a sacrifice fly.

It wasn’t until the sixth inning that they crossed home plate again, with Hunter Slater hitting a bases loaded single into right field to extend their lead.

Southern Miss ace Nick Sandlin was definitely the difference maker for the Golden Eagles, shutting out the Blazer for the second time this season with a dominant nine innings in which he only allowed four hits and one walk while striking out nine batters  in his first start since winning the Ferris trophy.

Ryan Ruggles and Ryan Wesson shared the mound for UAB, with Ruggles lasting five innings and allowing four hits, three walks and one earned run while striking out four, and Wesson throwing thee innings and allowing one hit and striking out four.