Following last week’s perfect game against Samford from the Tigers’ pitching staff, Auburn recorded a combined no-hitter through the arms of Maddie Penta and Shelby Lowe in a 9-0 run-rule victory over the UAB Blazers – the Tigers’ 13th consecutive win in the series.
“It’s amazing,” said junior utility player Icess Tresvik on playing behind Auburn’s pitching staff. “They've made history. They've helped us through so many tough battles. I really appreciate them being here.”
Maddie Penta earned the start and allowed a one-out base runner in the first inning off a hit by pitch before she retired 10 straight Blazers. Maddie Penta struck out five in her four innings of work, earning the win to improve to 12-6 on the season.
“She was working ahead. When you work ahead, good things happen,” said Auburn head coach Mickey Dean of Penta’s performance. “She only threw 60 pitches in four innings. So that's 15 pitches an inning, and that's exactly where you want to be.”
Lowe came in for the final frame, striking out two of the three batters she faced to complete the no-hit bid. The no-hitter was Auburn's third of the season and the 35th in program history.
“I think just going out one pitch at a time and not really overthinking things. The hitters, defense and pitching, all three, are just really tuned in and thinking about what their job is and doing their job,” Dean said.
The Tigers’ offense pounced early on the Blazers, capitalizing on three consecutive walks to set the stage for Tresvik. Making the most of her RBI opportunity, she delivered a single to right center, driving in two runs. Mariah Penta continued the offensive onslaught with a two-run double, extending the lead to 4-0.
In the second inning, the Tigers once again loaded the bases but were held to just one run off a Tresvik fielder's choice.
Ultimately, seven different players recorded a hit for Auburn on a night where everyone was finding success at the plate.
“We didn't go fishing,” Dean said. “We forced their pitchers to pitch, and I think we ended up drawing six walks, that's a lot of walks.”
Of the Tigers’ six walks, four ended up crossing the plate and scoring with the help of timely hits all night by an Auburn lineup that is starting to get hot.
“I feel like sometimes we get in our heads a little bit too much. But last weekend, we were hot so hopefully we can keep our bats alive,” Tresvik said.
Dating back to Auburn’s matchup with Georgia Tech last Saturday, the Tigers have scored in 10 straight innings – with half being two or more runs scored.
“That's a really big accomplishment for us. Hopefully, we'll keep it going against LSU, Kentucky and Alabama,” Tresvik said.
With midweek and nonconference action now done for the Tigers in Mickey Dean’s final season at Auburn, all focus will be on the three remaining conference series and building the resumé for a shot at postseason play.
“Just take it one game at a time,” Tresvik said of the path ahead for her team. “Don't try to think about the future games or the past games, just focus on one game. And just play Auburn softball.”
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Patrick is a sophomore from Auburn, Alabama, double majoring in journalism and marketing. He started with The Plainsman in fall 2022.
