Auburn softball played a full seven innings to defeat Southern Illinois 8-5 Saturday, Feb. 28 as part of their “Strike Out Cancer” game at Jane B. Moore Field.
The Tigers debuted pink uniforms and changed the scoreboard color to bring awareness and donations to the East Alabama Medical Center and the Cancer Center of East Alabama
It was a slow start for the home team. Defense allowed two runs by SUIE and tried to match them with only one run in the first inning provided by Kasey Cooper’s seventh season home run.
“It was close to the plate, simple and short to the ball,” Cooper said. “It builds confidence to the team to put a run on the board in the first inning.”
The Tigers wouldn’t score again until the bottom of the third with a single by Kasey Cooper, bringing in one. A number of walks from the pitcher brought in another runner. Morgan Estell sailed one high, but it hit ground to bring in another for a total of three runs.
“We like to score on offense,” coach Clint Myers said. “It’s about what we’re able to do offensively each and every inning.”
Auburn defense was able to hold SIUE in the top of the fourth and bring in one more on offense with Kasey Cooper’s sacrifice hit allowing Carlee Wallace to score.
Lexi Davis was switched in to pitch at the top of the fifth inning, replacing Marcy Harper. Defense allowed the third home run of the game for SUIE, which Auburn was unable to answer on offense.
“I think we answered back…we played hard,” Myers said. “The ability to score is huge for us.”
With the game tied 5-5, that answer came in the sixth inning when Emily Carosone knocked one out of the park, brining in three.
In the top of the seventh, Jade Rhodes caught a line drive at first to end the game.
The Tigers make their last appearance in the Wilson/Demarini Classic tomorrow at 1:30pm against Samford.
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