March 2, 2007
TAMPA, Fla. - Lindsey Harrelson's third-inning three-run home run proved to be the game winner and Anna Thompson set the Auburn single-season freshman strikeout record as the Tigers defeated South Florida, 9-0, in six innings on Friday.
The Tigers improved to 10-9 this season and 2-0 at the USF Louisville Slugger Tournament. The Tigers outscored their opponents, Utah and South Florida, 18-1, in the first-day sweep.
"What a great way to start the tournament," Auburn head coach Tina Deese said. "Our offense really came through today and both Holly Currie and Anna really pitched well. It's a special honor for Anna to get in our record books as well."
Harrelson hit her second home run of the season down the right field line, giving the Tigers a 3-0 lead early in the third inning. Jorja Bell later scored in the inning when Lauren Walton was hit by a pitch, giving the Tigers a commanding 4-0 lead.
The Tigers tacked on five runs in the final two innings of the game, but it was Auburn's second four-run inning of the tournament that set the stage for the win over South Florida. It gave Thompson a cushion that she utilized throughout the game.
She improved to 5-5 this season, finishing with a career-best 14 strikeouts while scattering two hits over six innings. The Huntsville, Ala., native set the Auburn single-season freshman strikeout record with her 104th strikeout of the season and 12th of the game. It came in the sixth inning on a 0-2 pitch to South Florida's Ashley Bullion. The record was previously held by Janet Spivey, who struck out 103 in 2003.
Thompson now has 106 strikeouts this season.
Auburn (10-9 overall) added to its 4-0 lead in the fifth. With Ashley Arcuri on third and Walton on second, Currie grounded out to short to score Arcuri at third and Walton came around to score on the play when South Florida attempted to get her at third.
The Tigers finished their scoring in the top half of the sixth. Currie unloaded the bases with a double to the right center field gap, getting Jorja Bell, Arcuri and Finney across the plate.
Ghezzi extended her season-high hit streak to eight games with a double down the left field line in the third. She is 11 for 26 during the streak. Ghezzi finished 1 for 3 against the Bulls (13-7) with two walks.
Currie went 1 for 5 but paced Auburn with four RBI.
Courtney Mosch took the loss for South Florida, dropping to 4-2 this season. She started the game and gave up four runs and four hits in 2 2/3 innings.
The Tigers continue play at the USF Louisville Slugger Tournament Saturday. Auburn opens against Central Michigan at 9 a.m. ET before facing Maryland at 1 p.m. Live stats are available by visiting www.auburntigers.com.
Tiger Notes: The Tigers wore their blue uniforms and improved to 6-3 in them this season ... The eight-game hit streak for Sara Ghezzi is the second-longest of her career, trailing a 10-gamer she had in 2005 ... Five Tigers were hit by pitches in the win, tying the team's single-game record, which was originally set in 2005 against Alabama State.