AUBURN, Ala. – Behind a complete game performance in the circle from freshman Maddie Penta, Auburn softball shut out Jacksonville, 2-0, Thursday night at Jane B. Moore Field to open the Tiger Invite.
The Tigers (6-1) plated their two runs off triples from freshman Makayla Packer and senior Tyler King. Packer closed the night 2-for-3 at the plate with an RBI. Auburn sprinkled six hits over its second meeting of the season with the Dolphins (3-5).
"We're going to compete with anybody you throw out there on that field" said head coach Mickey Dean. "We've shown that so far. There's no secret to it. Our ability is as good as anybody's."
Penta improved to 4-0 in the circle with the second shutout win of her freshman season. Penta scattered four hits, all singles, over her seven innings of work. She issued just two walks and struck out a career high 10 batters.
After a scoreless first inning, Graduate student Justus Perry knocked a one-out single just fair in left field before advancing to second on a wild pitch. Packer roped a triple to right center to plate the first run of the game.
The Dolphins responded with a walk and bunt single to lead off the top of the third. An errant throw than landed in the dugout moved both runners into scoring positions. Jacksonville knocked a single up the middle, plating both runs, but the Dolphin batter was called out for touching home plate, negating the play.
Penta answered with back-to-back strikeouts to keep the game scoreless.
Freshman Sydney Cox, in her first collegiate plate appearances, singled up the middle to lead off the third. King would drive her home with a one-out triple to right center.
Penta allowed just four Dolphins to reach base in the final four innings to keep Auburn undefeated at home.
TIGER TRACKS
- Freshman Sydney Cox made earned her first collegiate start, knocking a single in the first at bat of her career.
- Makenna Dowell extended her hit streak to a career high nine straight games, dating back to the 2020 season.
- Senior Tyler and freshman Makayla Packer both slugged their first triples as Tigers.
- Freshman Maddie Penta improved to 4-0 in the circle with a career high 10 strikeouts. She has tossed four straight complete games. Tonight marked her second collegiate shutout.
UP NEXT
Auburn continues the Tiger Invite on Friday with a doubleheader against Murray State. First pitch is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT. Game two against the Racers will follow in approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion for game one.