For the sixth time in 2023, Auburn won an SEC series, taking two of three from Mississippi State. With Maddie Penta in the circle, Auburn took the rubber game from the Bulldogs, 3-0, to earn Penta’s 25th win of the season.
Penta, who sang the national anthem before the game, allowed a lead-off single to the first batter of the game, then did not allow a hit afterward.
“It’s a situation of Championship Sunday and a must-win situation,” Penta said. “You want to take the series so it gets me a little more amped up, throwing harder.”
Two big home run swings by Nelia Peralta and Lindsey Garcia were more than enough to back up Penta’s effort and secure the series.
“The funny thing is, I just got through telling the kids, ‘Well now, I want you to quit trying to hit home runs’,” said head coach Mickey Dean. “Because Mississippi State’s pitching has given up the fewest amount of home runs in SEC play…and sure enough we hit two home runs.”
After a scoreless first two innings, Peralta broke the tie in unusual fashion. Peralta hit a fly ball to deep center, which deflected off of the glove of the Mississippi State center fielder, who inadvertently carried the ball to the wall as she bobbled it. The ball hit the wall and rolled over the fence for a home run. That home run gave Auburn the lead for good.
“I knew it hit it good off the bat, but I didn’t know if it had enough,” Peralta said. “But luckily (the Mississippi State center fielder) took it with her because it didn’t have enough.”
For good measure, Garcia added a two-run homer in the fourth, finishing the scoring. Garcia was one of four Auburn players honored as part of the Senior Day festivities, joining seniors Carlee McCondichie and Maia Engelkes, as well as graduate student Aspyn Godwin.
“It was huge, it just felt really rewarding,” Garcia said. “It’s a special day, special moment, so special all around.”
Penta slammed the door on the Bulldogs’ chances by retiring the final 10 batters of the game.
Though the regular season is over at Jane B. Moore Field, there may still be softball to be played on the Plains. Auburn hopes that its six SEC series wins were enough to earn a host bid for an NCAA regional.
Auburn finished with 15 conference wins in 2023. History shows that the 15-win benchmark is a good one for potential regional hosts. No 15-win SEC team has been sent on the road for regionals since Kentucky and LSU in 2012.
The Tigers, now with four straight series wins, are confident heading into the postseason.
“I think we can do some serious damage in the SEC Tournament and then in the regionals,” Penta said. “For the most part, we did enough to win the game and that’s what it’s going to take in the postseason.”
Auburn’s next stop is Bogle Park in Fayetteville, Arkansas for the SEC Tournament. With their win, the Tigers received a double-bye in the tournament and will begin play on Thursday.
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Matthew is a senior from Huntsville, Alabama, majoring in journalism. He started with The Plainsman in fall 2021.
Twitter: @mattwallaceAU
