JACKSONVILLE, Ala. – Plating seven runs in the sixth inning, No. 21 Auburn softball (10-1) secured its fifth run-rule victory of the season as the Tigers topped Jacksonville State 10-1 in six innings at University Field.
"That was a big sixth inning," said head coach Mickey Dean. "I though Maddie (Penta) did a nice job in the circle because they are a team that doesn't strike out a lot, and they walk a lot. If you look at the numbers, she didn't walk anyone and struck out seven."
Sophomore Nelia Peralta led Auburn at the plate going 2-for-3 with three RBI. Sophomore Makayla Packer knocked three hits in the contest with one RBI and three runs scored. Freshman Jessie Blaine also turned in a multi-hit game as she slugged her second home run of the season.
Sophomore Maddie Penta was virtually untouchable in the circle as she opened the game, retiring eight straight. She allowed just three hits, two of which came in the bottom of the fourth as she ended the inning with runners on the corners. Penta struck out seven and did not issue a walk as she recorded her second shutout of the season.
Packer singled to short on the first pitch of the game. Executing a hit and run, Packer advanced to third on a ground ball back to pitcher off the batt of sophomore Sydney Cox. Peralta drove a single to left field to drive in the first run of the game.
The Gamecocks (6-3) kept Auburn quiet at the plate until the top of the fourth as Blaine led off the inning muscling a home run to left field.
"We've been facing some really difficult pitching," Blaine said. "Today, we were ready to come out and have a good time, let loose and feel the ball come off the bat. I was happy to go up there and do my job so my teammates can do theirs."
After two quick outs, sophomore Denver Bryant got on board with a single to right field. Junior Carlee McCondichie delivered with a clutch two-out double to shallow left center to extend the lead to 3-0.
Blaine sparked a big inning for the Tigers as she led off the sixth with a single to center. With freshman pinch runner Abbey Smith standing at first, junior Lindsey Garcia moved Smith to third with a single to right field before taking second on a throw to third.
Freshman Aubrie Lisenby delivered the base-clearing hit with a double to left field to push the Tiger lead to 5-0. Bryant and McCondichie loaded the bases with back-to-back singles before Packer drove in the third run of the sixth inning with an RBI single to right.
Cox welcomed Jacksonville State's reliver with a four-pitch, bases-loaded walk to drive in a run. Peralta singled to center as a charging JSU outfielder misplayed the ball, allowing the Tigers to clear the bases. Peralta was credited with two RBI on the single.
UP NEXT
Auburn returns to Jane B. Moore Field this weekend to host the Plainsman Invite. Auburn opens the tournament on Friday at 2:30 p.m. CT against ULM. Auburn will also face Bradley, Delaware State and Syracuse over the weekend.