Stephen Dobbs's two-run single off Tyler Myrick in the top of the seventh inning pushed UAB past FIU as the Blazers defeated the Panthers 8-5 in the opening game of a three-game series at the FIU ballpark.

Dobbs's hit scored Brewer Hicklen and Carter Pharis with the tying and go-ahead runs for UAB (15-11, 4-3 Conference USA).

FIU (14-11, 3-4) rallied early and took a pair of leads in the game with the long ball. Down 2-0 in the bottom of the first inning, Kenny Meimerstorf delivered a two-run home run to tie the score.

Nick Day hit the first of his two home runs off UAB starter Thomas Lowery (3-1) in the bottom of the second inning. Day hit a towering two-run blast over the scoreboard in left field to put FIU on top 4-2.

With the score tied 4-4 in the bottom of the fourth, Day clubbed a solo home run down the left field line.

However, the Blazers rallied in the seventh against Myrick (3-1), who went 4 2/3 innings, allowed five hits, two earned runs, two walks and struck out seven after relieving starter Robert Garcia. It was an early night for Garcia, who went 2 1/3 innings and allowed six hits and four runs.

Carson Jones, who pitched the final three scoreless innings for UAB, recorded his fourth save.

The Panthers and Blazers play the middle game of the three-game set Saturday at 7 p.m. The game can be seen on PantherVision and C-USA TV.