With a road series against a ranked team already clinched, No. 3 Auburn rode its pitching and timely hitting late in the game to beat No. 12 Kentucky, 3-1, in nine innings in Lexington on Sunday afternoon. The Tigers (33-4, 9-3 SEC) have won eight consecutive games (seven of which were SEC games) and 11 of their last 12.
Auburn is 3-0 in extra-inning games this season and 5-3 against ranked teams.
Jenna Abbott's ninth-inning RBI double scored Jade Rhodes from first base to break a 1-1 tie and ultimately deliver the Tigers the sweep of the Wildcats (33-8, 8-4 SEC). Later in the inning, Bree Fornis — pinch running for Abbott — scored on an RBI groundout by Whitney Jordan to deliver the final run of the game.
The scoring began in the second inning, when Jade Rhodes hit a solo shot to make 1-0. Rhodes has 13 home runs this season, which leads the SEC.
Lexi Davis earned the start for Auburn, pitching five innings and allowing just four hits. She allowed Kentucky's only run in the fifth inning before being relieved by Kaylee Carlson, who allowed two hits and improved to 10-0 on the season after picking up the win.
Kasey Cooper went 2-of-3 on the day, making it 37 consecutive games in which she's reached base.
With the sweep of Kentucky and Alabama's series victory over Florida, Auburn is now tied with the Gators for first place in the SEC.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
