Despite allowing five runs, nine hits and only tossing two strikeouts, Auburn junior Kaylee Carlson (17-1) picked up the win Friday evening over No. 18 Georgia in Athens.
Carlson pitched all seven innings in the circle for Auburn. (29-5, 4-3 SEC) Sophomore Casey McCrackin turned in a trio of excellent defensive efforts, including a double play and two great throws to Kendall Veach at first base.
However, it was freshman outfielder Alyssa Rivera who stole the show at Jack Turner Softball Stadium. Both of Rivera’s spectacular grabs came in right field, and both forced the freshman to dive for the catch. One came in the seventh and final inning, when Rivera’s grab notched the first out for the Bulldogs.
Veach was the top offensive performer for their Tigers, as her 2-5 day was highlighted by a two-run single. McCrackin walked three times and Haley Fagan walked four, including a trip to first that brought home a runner. Catcher Carlee Wallace finished with an efficient line of 2 for 4 at the dish.
The Auburn offense carved out most of their damage in the third and sixth innings, both in which the Tigers blasted a trio of runs.
Georgia pitcher Brittany Gray tossed six Ks, allowing seven runs, five hits and 11 walks in the process. Sophomore infielder Lacey Sumerlin headed the Bulldogs’ offensive efforts with a pair of runs batted in.
Game two in Athens is Saturday night, with the first pitch set for 6 p.m. CST, broadcasted on ESPN. The victory is Auburn’s sixth straight over Georgia, coming a day after the resignation of associate head coach Corey Myers. The Tigers improve their conference record to above .500, while Georgia falls to 27-8, 2-5 SEC.
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