April 22, 2017
COLUMBIA, S.C. - In the first collegiate start of her young career, Ashlee Swindle threw a gem to guide the No. 7 Auburn softball team to a 2-0 shutout win at South Carolina. Swindle earned her first career win for the Tigers (39-7, 12-5 SEC) in the seven-inning tilt.
"I was just really nervous, but excited at the same time," stated Swindle on earning her first start. "I had all the [coaching] staff telling me just to trust myself and let my defense work."
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The freshman tossed 63 pitches through 5 1/3 innings and struck out two in her career-long outing. Swindle threw 14 first-pitch strikes and did not allow a runner to reach second base.
Kaylee Carlson got the final five outs and struck out one to earn her second save of 2017.
Alyssa Rivera and Kendall Veach led the offense with two hits each, while Victoria Draper produced Auburn's other hit in the conference clash. Courtney Shea and Veach were responsible for bringing in both of the game's runs by way of a bases loaded walk and a solo home run.
The Tigers opened the scoring in the top of the first for the second consecutive game on the weekend. Draper began the game with a leadoff single and beat out a close play at second on a fielder's choice. Wallace was then plunked to load the bases without an out.
Two batters later, Shea drew a walk to bring home Draper and make it 1-0 in favor of the road team.
Auburn capped its scoring in the fourth when Veach lifted her team-high 11th home run of the season - a solo shot - to double the advantage at 2-0.
Swindle kept the Gamecocks (27-20, 3-13) off-balanced all afternoon as she sent down nine of the first 10 batters she faced.
The Jasper, Ala. native surrendered only two hits in the contest, with just one that touched the grass.
Carlson came in and slammed the door shut in the final two stanzas to guide the Tigers to the series victory.
Auburn returns to the diamond Sunday morning when it wraps up the series with South Carolina at 11 a.m. CT.