The Auburn softball team defeated ninth-ranked Tennessee Sunday to clench the series 2-1. The Tigers are now 9-5 in the Southeastern Conference and 30-9 overall.
Auburn’s defense was stingy in the final game of the three-game series, starting with senior pitcher Brittany Day. Day pitched the first three innings, giving up just one earned run with three hits and four strike-outs.
Sophomore Anna Thompson tightened the defense, pitching the last four innings. She struck out seven and allowed one hit.
“Our pitchers did an excellent job today,” Auburn head coach Tina Deese said. “Anna came in and kept Tennessee from putting anything together.”
Tiffany Huff scored for Tennessee to take the lead in the top of the fourth 1-0. Brittany Scott scored for Auburn in the bottom of the sixth to tie the game. Kyndall White hit a sac fly to score Krista Clyde in the bottom of the eighth to put the Tigers up 2-1.
In game one of Saturday’s double header, Tennessee battled back from a 4-3 deficit to win 8-4. Tatiana Fernandez put Auburn on the board with a two-run home run in the bottom of the first. The offensive effort was continued by Scott and Taryn Gray who each scored a run.
Tennessee’s offense was lead by Tonya Callahan, who hit a two-run home run, followed by a three-run home run from Erin Webb. Anna Thompson pitched four innings, allowing five runs and 11 hits.
The Tigers shut down the Volunteer offense in game two, wining 1-0. Day pitched the game allowing two hits and no runs.
Cassie Trosclair scored the game’s only run in the third inning on a double by Scott.
Even though they pulled the series win last weekend, Deese said the toughest part of their schedule is ahead. The team is currently ranked fifth.
“We have to battle for each one,” Deese said. “In softball anything can happen.”
Day, who is this week’s SEC pitcher of the week, agrees.
“We’re going to continue to work hard and do what we have to,” Day said.
