Auburn softball sweeps Saturday twin bill to clinch series over Missouri
A pending weather forecast caused No. 21 Auburn to move Sunday’s middle game of the series with Missouri to a doubleheader on Saturday.
Despite the shift, Auburn adjusted well enough to earn a doubleheader sweep, which clinched their first SEC series win. Behind a record-setting game one from maddie penta, and a solid defensive effort in game two, Auburn defeated Missouri, 4-0 and 2-1 respectively to capture the series.
“We had unbelievable defense by both teams. It was unreal to watch,” head coach Mickey Dean said after Saturday’s wins. “Maddie (Penta) hit her spots and was able to control the lineup (in game one), and what a job that Annabelle (Widra) did coming in so early in relief (in game two). It was two fun games to watch.”
GAME ONE- AUBURN 4 MISSOURI 0
Auburn kickstarted the afternoon by shutting out Missouri, 4-0. There was not much offense in the game, as both teams combined to record just six hits, but two-run blasts by Lindsey Garcia and Aubrie Lisenby were enough for the home-standing Tigers to win.
The key storyline from game one was the dominant effort in the circle by junior pitcher Maddie Penta. Penta allowed zero runs and two hits while striking out 17, which matched a career-high and Auburn record for strikeouts in a single game against an SEC opponent.
“After the game, my heartbeat would not slow down. I wasn’t nervous. I just think I put so much into that game,” Penta said after game one. “Everything was working well. I was just focusing on every pitch, which can be mentally exhausting. I was just trying to do my best for my team.”
Carlee McCondichie and Nelia Peralta joined Garcia and Lisenby by recording a hit in the game. Julia Crenshaw and Chantice Phillips notched the only two hits in the game for Missouri.
GAME TWO- AUBURN 2 MISSOURI 1
Both teams were able to boost their offensive output slightly in game two, but runs still came at a premium. Auburn struck first when Jessie Blaine sent Peralta home on an RBI single in the 1st inning, with Missouri tying the game in the ensuing inning on a sacrifice fly by Riley Frizzell to bring the total to 1-1.
The game would remain tied until the final play of the game. With one out in the bottom of the 7th, Peralta hit a ground ball to shortstop, which had the makings for a routine double play. However, the throw from 2nd base to 1st base sailed high, which allowed Rose Roach to score from 3rd to give Auburn the walk-off win.
“I was just doing my best to put the ball in play,” Peralta said of her game-winning play. “Luckily, it worked out for us. I’m trying to do my job day in and day out. I’m grateful for the team win.”
Seven batters recorded a hit in the game for Auburn, with Blaine being credited with the lone RBI. Shelby Lowe and Annabelle Widra combined to allow seven Missouri hits and one earned run, with Widra earning the win by going 5.1 innings in relief.
“I was doing whatever I could for the team,” Widra said Saturday. “Having our defense behind me helps me relax and trust my pitches. I know if I miss my spot, they are going to pick me up.”
RELATED: How to watch the Auburn-Missouri series
Auburn improves their record to 24-9 and is now over .500 in SEC play at 3-2. Due to forecasted rain in the Auburn area on Sunday, Auburn and Missouri will take a break in their series. Game three will be played at its’ regularly scheduled time on Monday at 6 p.m. CT. The game can be seen live on SEC Network.
