On Sunday afternoon, the Auburn Tigers (23-13-1, 5-10 SEC) secured their first SEC series in game three against the No. 6 Bayou Bengals (33-8, 10-8 SEC), winning 3-1.
Auburn took the field determined to upset LSU in the series' rubber game and turn its season around as the SEC tournament comes into view.
“What a three-game series, we didn’t focus on last night’s game very long. We flushed it quickly," said Auburn head coach Mickey Dean.
It was Auburn’s first series in Death Valley since 2015, where the Tigers claimed back-to-back series victories in 2015 and 2016.
The Bayou Bengals wasted no time getting on the board thanks to first baseman Raeleen Gutierrez’s single up the middle that sent left fielder Ali Newland home to score.
It would be the only run scored by LSU as Auburn’s defense rallied together to hold the Bengals to six consecutive scoreless frames till the Tigers’ offense could get on the board.
LHP Shelby Lowe (6-3) performed phenomenally to secure her sixth win in the pitching circle, carrying Auburn’s defense on her back. Pitching seven innings, Lowe logged five strikeouts, two walks and one hit-by-pitch while allowing three hits and one run.
“How about Shelby Lowe,” Dean said. “This was the first time this season that I came to her in the fifth inning and told her I was taking her out, and she asked to stay in the game. I was nervous, but I trusted her. Her teammates had her back, so I left her in. I’m glad I did.”
Auburn’s offense found its momentum at the top of the fourth, coming to the aid of its defense
With bases loaded and two outs on the board, third baseman Annabelle Widra saw her chance to snag the lead from LSU and blasted her ball to right field, sending pinch runner Abbey Smith and right fielder Icess Tresvik home, giving Auburn a 2-1 lead over LSU.
The Tigers went on to score another run after pinch runner Skylar Elkins and Widra managed a double steal, sending Elkins home and giving Auburn a 3-1 victory over LSU.
Auburn made the most of its chances in the batter’s box, recording three runs, five hits and two RBIs in 24 at-bats. Comparatively, LSU had one run, three hits, one double and one RBI in 24 at-bats.
Auburn will head to Magic City for their midweek matchup against the University of Alabama in Birmingham. The Tigers will take on the Blazers on Wednesday, April 17, at 5 p.m. CST.
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Caitlyn Griffin is a sophomore from Huntsville, Alabama, majoring in journalism. She started with The Plainsman in fall 2022.
Twitter: @caitlyngrif99
