Having struggled at the plate in the last few games, the Auburn Tigers looked to collectively improve their batting performance against the Tennessee Volunteers.
However, the Tigers continued to struggle on offense throughout the game, ultimately falling 2-1 in extra innings Friday evening at Jane B. Moore Field.
“All I can ask is that they battle,” Auburn head coach Mickey Dean said. “I can’t look at the end result and complain about it. But I can look at our process and our approach and complain about that."
Victoria Draper did not lead off tonight, instead batting last in the line-up. Then Draper was replaced by pinch-hitter Bree Fornis in the bottom of the fifth. According to Dean, this was a decision to protect Draper’s hand that was injured on Wednesday.
The Tigers struggled on offense all game and could not get a hitter on base until Casey McCrackin’s single in the fourth
Just when the Volunteers seemed to have sealed the game, Courtney Shea hit a solo home run in the bottom of the seventh to tie the game at 1-1. The game went to extended innings where the Lady Volunteers eventually closed out the game.
Senior pitcher Kaylee Carlson did her best to stay in the game, but ultimately gave up eight hits and two runs for the night in eight innings. She dropped to 16-2 for the season.
The Tigers are currently the worst offensive team in the SEC and are batting less than .200 as a group in conference play.
“You’ve just got to keep fighting,” Dean said. “You have two choices: fight, or don’t fight, and we just have to keep fighting.”
The Tigers fall to 34-8 for the season and will face Tennessee again tomorrow at 2 p.m. CT.
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.
