Big game from Richardson helps Knights down UAB, 7-3

Ronnie Richardson did it all for the Knights on Saturday afternoon.

Richardson made clutch plays defensively and offensively, leading UCF to a 7-3 win over the University of Alabama-Birmingham Blazers.

The center fielder delivered the play of the game when he pulled off a double play with the bases loaded in a tied ball game, catching a pop fly and throwing a runner out at home to end the fifth inning.

Head coach Terry Rooney called the play a “momentum changer,” as it prevented UAB from taking the lead, allowing UCF to do so the next inning.

Richardson then extended the Knights’ lead with a solo home run in the sixth, just a part of his perfect three-for-three game.

Ben Lively received the win for his performance in relief of starting pitcher Chris Matulis. Lively pitched 2-2/3 innings and struck out two, improving his ERA to 3.44 on the year.

“Ben has done a good job out of the [bullpen]… hopefully he’s getting back to his form,” Rooney said.

The UCF win sets up a rubber match between the two teams Sunday, when they are scheduled to play at 11 a.m.

“We haven’t played particularly well on Sundays throughout this season so tomorrow is a new challenge,” Rooney said. “We need to make the adjustments and come out and win the series.”