March 17, 2018
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AUBURN, Ala. -- No. 14 Auburn defeated No. 12 Alabama 3-1 on Saturday at Jane B. Moore Field as the Tigers bounced back for head coach Mickey Dean's first SEC win at the Auburn helm.
Due to the expectation of inclement weather, tomorrow's game has been moved to 1 p.m. CT. The game will now be streamed live on SEC Network+ and will later be replayed at 5 p.m. CT on the SEC Network.
The Tigers (26-6, 1-4) used a strong defensive effort to take down the Crimson Tide (19-6, 1-1), led by junior pitcher Makayla Martin (10-3). The right-hander from San Diego, Calif. continued her impressive season in the circle as she pitched a complete game, striking out five batters, including three when she needed them most in the final inning.
"Before the game even started I felt really good about everything; myself and the rest of the team, "Martin said. I think because we were a lot more confident today, it helped me perform better."
Martin held the Alabama bats in check with the Crimson Tide tallying four hits and were scoreless until the top of the seventh inning. Alabama ended Martin's shutout bid on a 2-out RBI single, but the right-hander bounced back to strikeout her final batter looking and preserve the 3-1 victory.
"We fought, and we have fought every game," Dean said. "If you have watched us you know we are going to fight."
The Auburn offense bounced back as well from the opening game's 1-hit performance as the Tigers tallied five hits, led by freshman Taylon Snow. The shortstop from Chino Hills, Calif. went 2-for-4 on the day, including a double to left field to set up a score for the Tigers.
Kendall Veach chipped in a RBI double on a rocket to left in the second inning. Morgan Podany plated the Tigers' final run after Tannon Snow drew a bases-loaded walk in the sixth.
Alabama freshman starter Madison Preston (6-2) was charged with the loss after giving up two runs on three hits.
Auburn and Alabama will play the rubber match tomorrow at 1 p.m. CT.