AUBURN, Ala. – Following a successful first road tilt of the 2021 season, Auburn softball (5-1) returns to the Plains to host, Jacksonville, Murray State and IUPUI for the Tiger Invite. The four-day tournament, which begins Thursday, features 10 total games at Jane B. Moore Field.
Auburn kicks off the tournament with Jacksonville (3-4) on Thursday at 5 p.m. CT, marking the second time in the last three games that the Tigers have met the Dolphins on the diamond. Auburn picked up a 5-1 victory over JU as part of the Osprey/Dolphin Invitational last weekend.
Friday's slate of competition features a doubleheader against Murray State (2-7). First pitch is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT. The Tigers face IUPUI (0-0) on Saturday for another doubleheader slate that begins at 2:30 p.m. CT.
"Jacksonville made a couple mistakes that allowed us to sperate ourselves," said head coach Mickey Dean. "We can't count on them to make those same mistakes again, so we need to hit better and run the bases better this weekend. Murray State pitches well and plays solid defense. We are going to have to be on top of our offensive games against them. IUPUI has always been a scrappy team. They play with a chip on their shoulder."
Friday's doubleheader against the Racers will be available to stream on SEC Network+. Brit Bowen will have the call. All five of Auburn's contests over the Tiger Invite can also be heard on the Auburn Sports Network.
Auburn is coming off a strong performance in Jacksonville as the Tigers finished 2-1 against the tournament field, which included a 5-4 win against No. 19 South Carolina. The victory over the Gamecocks was the 100th Auburn victory for Dean.
LEADING OFF
- After picking up a pair of wins at the Osprey/Dolphin Invitational, Auburn returns to Jane B. Moore Field to host Jacksonville, Murray State and IUPUI for the Tiger Invite. Auburn will play five games over the four-day tournament.
- The Tigers earned their first ranked win of the season, knocking off #19 South Carolina, 5-4, in Jacksonville. The victory was the 100th career win at Auburn for head coach Mickey Dean. Auburn now has 19 victories over ranked opponents during the Mickey Dean era.
- With just two weekends of play under her belt, junior Aspyn Godwin has surpassed her career high total with three home runs in 2021. Godwin ranks fourth in the Southeastern Conference with a 1.357.
- Recording hits in all six games to open the 2021 season, senior Makenna Dowell extended her hit streak to a career high eight straight games. The streak began at Jacksonville on March 10, 2020.
GAME DAY INFORMATION & COVID PROTOCOLS
Auburn Athletics announced reduced capacity at Jane B. Moore Field to begin the 2020 season. Ticket information has been emailed directly to 2020 softball season ticket holders as well as students. Available and unavailable seats are marked accordingly.
Face coverings (over the nose and mouth) will be required for all spectators and gameday workers upon entry and while inside Jane B. Moore Field. Guests may remove face coverings while actively eating or drinking.
Directional signage, stanchions and barriers will be installed to facilitate six-foot social physical distance at entry gates, concourse pathways, concessions and merchandise queues and seating areas. Physical distancing will be maintained throughout the facility to the fullest extent possible.
All transactions for concessions and merchandise at Jane B. Moore Field will be contactless and cashless (credit/debit and Tiger Cards only).
Enhanced cleaning and sanitization procedures throughout the park prior to and during all games will be in effect for the 2021 season.
Additional information related to health and safety guidelines for Jane B. Moore Field can be found at auburntigers.com/softballgameday.
ON DECK
The Tigers continue their homestand next week, hosting the Auburn Invitational at Jane B. Moore Field. Auburn welcomes Troy, Southern Miss and Southeastern Louisiana over the four-day tournament. The Tigers kick off their second home tournament against Troy on Thursday, March 4 at 5 p.m. CT.