KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Despite splitting the doubleheader, No. 13 Auburn claimed its first series win against No. 5 Tennessee in Knoxville since 2002 after winning Sunday's first game, 3-0, before dropping the second, 8-1.
Auburn (32-8, 8-4) claimed its first shutout victory against Tennessee in Knoxville since April 21, 2002 as Chardonnay Harris went 7.0 innings and scattered four hits, struck out seven and walked only one. The performance gave Harris her first career complete-game shutout in Southeastern Conference play. It was also just the second time Auburn has ever won a series against Tennessee in Knoxville (2002).
"We did some good things this morning and I told them before that last game that (Tennessee) would fight because it was the first time since 2002 that Auburn comes in to Tennessee and wins a series," said Auburn head coach Mickey Dean. "It just doesn't happen."
Tannon Snow, who hit two two-run home runs against the Volunteers (29-8, 7-4) on Friday, continued her blazing weekend as she clubbed a 2-1 pitch over the left-field fence in the top of the second. Kendall Veach added her 17th home run of the season an inning later to give the Tigers a 2-0 advantage.
Alyssa Rivera made it 3-0, Auburn, in the top of the sixth when she singled through the left side of the diamond to score Rachel Cook. Justus Perry had the only other Auburn hit when she single to start the top of the seventh.
After an hour-long weather delay prolonged the start of the second game, Tennessee struck first against starter Ashlee Swindle with a two-run bottom of the first on four hits. Auburn responded with a solo home run from Rivera the following half inning.
The two teams traded zeros on the scoreboard until Tennessee broke through with a three spot in the bottom of the fifth. The Volunteers chased Swindle as Harris was brought in to finish the game.
Tennessee added a two-out three-run home run in the bottom of the sixth to extend its lead to seven.
Auburn will return to action this upcoming weekend with a three-game series against South Carolina. The two teams will start play on Friday, April 12 at 6 p.m.