May 1, 2016
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - No. 3 Auburn softball stumbled in a 12-1 (5) loss to No. 13/12 Tennessee at Lee Stadium on Sunday evening. Auburn falls to 45-7 on the year and 15-5 in SEC action while the Volunteers improve to 38-12 and 14-6 in the doubleheader sweep over the Tigers.
"We've got to play better, it's pretty simple," head coach Clint Myers said after the game. "We didn't swing like we're capable and we sure didn't pitch or play defense like we're accustomed to. It's a couple bumps in the road and a major character test for us. We have to come out and play Auburn Softball tomorrow. If we do that, we'll be fine."
This was the first time since 2009 (at Kentucky) that Auburn has been run-ruled in consecutive games.
Tennessee scored a run in the first and then posted seven runs during the second inning, the most Auburn has allowed in a frame all season long. Auburn committed five errors in the game, another season high, leading to five unearned runs. A four-run fourth frame capped the damage at 12-1 for the home Volunteers.
Junior Kasey Cooper hit a solo home run in the first inning for the Tigers only run of the game. The homer gave Cooper 17 for the season and tying her for the lead in the SEC.
Victoria Draper added a pair of singles going 2-for-2 in the game and was a perfect 4-for-4 on the day.
Makayla Martin (11-2) started for Auburn and lasted three innings before a lightning delay chased both teams back into the dugouts for a 30-minute break. After the restart, senior Lexi Davis entered the game and pitched the final inning throwing two strikeouts.
UP NEXT
Auburn and Tennessee conclude the series on Monday at 6 p.m. CST with the game televised on the SEC Network.