Auburn could not contain Oklahoma bats as they got swept by the Sooners in Norman, Oklahoma, and fell to 19-10 (2-4 in SEC play).
The Tigers struggled in the circle all weekend, giving up 33 hits and 35 runs in the series loss. The Sooners' offense came into the series as one of the best units in the country. The Sooners lead the country in batting average at .457, and home runs at 112, which is 33 home runs ahead of second place.
“When you leave the door open for a team in an environment like this, they are going to bust through. We’ve got to do a better job of keeping those doors closed. We were competing, but Oklahoma did a good job of changing the way they were pitching," said co-head coach Chris Malveaux. "We looked to adjust. We got what we wanted, but we didn’t connect the way that we would have liked. We have to make sure we’re paying attention to details in those moments.”
The Tigers started the weekend with a 13-5 loss in a game that was defined by the long ball; there were six combined home runs. Haven Roebuck led the way for the Tigers with two home runs and four RBIs, while McKaela Walker hit a home run as well.
“I liked the way that we stayed competing. There were times where we could have made smarter decisions to get an out. It could have kept us in the game a little bit," Malveaux said. "Our pitchers did a great job of being able to change speeds and hit certain spots. Oklahoma did a great job of taking advantage of every little mistake in a big way.”
In game two, the Tigers were leading going into the bottom of the fifth inning, 5-3. The Tigers surrendered two runs in the bottom on the fifth and three runs in the sixth to lose 8-5.
The Tigers hit three home runs off the bats of Alyssa Hastings, AnnaLea Adams and Ma'Nia Womack. Ella Harrison was in the circle and held Oklahoma's offense to just one home run, and was the first pitcher to pitch a complete game against the Sooners this season.
“It was costly mistakes and on the field in the end. Unfair to [Ella] Harrison. It sucks to look at her and say, ‘that’s the final.’ She got after it, competed and gave us a chance to win it," Malveaux said. "We have a hard time of learning to not take a pitch off for some reason. I know we're young, but we can't be doing that. It's an opportunity blown. I did like the way we came out. We were really attacking the game plan."
In the final game, the Sooners dominated, winning 14-2, led by a nine-run fourth inning. Auburn's offense was held in check all game except for a Daigle Wilson two-run home run, the first of her career.
The Sooners were a test for Auburn early in conference play, as they continue through the SEC softball schedule with Missouri scheduled in two weekends.
Auburn continues its road trip on Tuesday with a midweek contest at South Alabama, where first pitch is slated for 5 p.m. CST.
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