JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Auburn softball (15-11) returned to the win column behind a 6-2 come-from-behind victory over Jacksonville (15-11) Tuesday at Pruitt Softball Complex.
The Dolphins took advantage of a leadoff walk in the bottom of the first, manufacturing a run with a two-out base hit. The Tigers used discipline at the plate to tie in the game with a bases-loaded walk in the top of the second before the offense exploded for four runs in the third.
Sophomore Haley Nillen led the Tigers at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two doubles and two RBI. Freshman Jaylin Calvert scored two of Auburn's six runs and tallied an RBI, after reaching base via a single and Jacksonville error.
Samantha Yarbrough tossed her second complete game of the season. The sophomore gave up two runs, one unearned, off five hits and two walks. The right-hander set a career high with 10 strikeouts in the contest.
SCORING RECAP
Bottom 1
After issuing a leadoff walk to Makenzie Buss, Samantha Yarbrough quickly answered with back-to-back strikeouts. A wild pitch moved Buss into scoring position. Kassidy Cross delivered the two-out base hit with a single to shallow center to drive in Buss.
Auburn 0; Jacksonville 1
Top 2
Justus Perry drew her team-leading seventh hit by pitch to become the first Tiger to reach base in the game. After Jadia Jones entered the contest as a pinch runner, Jaylin Calvert picked up Auburn's first base hit with a single to right. Haley Nillen sent a hot shot back to the circle. The Dolphins elected for the force play at third, but Jones beat the throw. With the bases loaded, pinch-hitter Aspyn Godwin knocked a ground ball to second, but Jacksonville threw to the plate for the force out to keep Auburn off the board. A disciplined Tyler King plated the first run of the game, tying the game up with a bases-loaded walk.
Auburn 1; Jacksonville 1
Top 3
Carlee McCondichie drew a walk to lead off the inning. Makenna Dowell singled to left to move McCondichie into scoring position. The ball got away from the JU outfielders, brining McCondichie home and moving Dowell to second. After Tannon Snow reached on a hit by pitch, Jaylin Calvert reached on an error by Jacksonville's first baseman, advancing to second on the play. The error allowed Dowell to score. Haley Nillen delivered the big blow of the game with a double off the left field wall to clear the bases.
Auburn 5; Jacksonville 1
Top 4
Alyssa Rivera smoked a double to left field to lead off the inning, reaching base safely for the 11th straight game. Carlee McCondichie beat out an infield bunt single. Rivera took advantage of a miscue by the Dolphins' catcher, scoring from second on the play.
Auburn 6; Jacksonville 1
Bottom 5
Makenzie Buss reached base for the second time with a bunt single. An Auburn error at first base put two Dolphins on with no outs. A misplay at second base on a fielder's choice loaded the bases for Jacksonville. The Tigers turned a 4-6-1 double play, but an unearned run came across to score.
Auburn 6; Jacksonville 2
TIGER TRACKS
Justus Perry – Recorded her 32nd career hit by pitch. Leads the team with seven HBP this season.
Alyssa Rivera – With her second double of the season, now reached base safely in 11 consecutive games.
Haley Nillen – Recorded her second multi-RBI game of the season. It was also the second of her career. Set a career high with two doubles in the contest. It was her third multi-hit game of the season and of her career.
Samantha Yarbrough – Set career high with 10 strikeouts.
UP NEXT
Auburn returns to Jane B. Moore Field on Wednesday for a midweek contest. Due to severe weather threat, first pitch has been moved up to 6 p.m. CT. The midweek tilt will air on the SEC Network+.