AUBURN, Ala. – Add winningest pitcher in program history to Maddie Penta lengthy list of accolades as she and the Tiger defense led No. 25 Auburn softball (14-6-1, 2-4 SEC) to a 2-1 victory over No. 20 Arkansas (22-6, 2-1 SEC) in Sunday's series finale at Jane B. Moore Field.
"It's big," said head coach Mickey Dean. "She had a rough first inning in that first game. Ever since, she's done a really bang-up job. I'm just proud of the way she handled herself today and proud of her teammates for having her back."
Auburn plated two runs in the first inning. That was more than enough for Penta as the Tiger ace surpassed Kaylee Carlson for the program's career wins record with her 68th victory in Orange and Blue.
"I actually had no idea until last week that I was about to break the record," Penta said. "It means a lot just to be in the books, to be remembered and to do my part for this team. I give this win today to my defensive and the hitting, too. They put the numbers up there for me to get the job done. My defense made some outstanding plays behind me, and I owe a lot of those wins to my defense, my offense and my team."
Penta went the distance to improve to 8-4 on the season. Striking out just four, Penta relied on her defense to help strand five base runners. Annabelle Widra turned in the game-saving play of the day, snagging a line drive in the sixth inning to turn a double play and keep Auburn's lead at one. Penta also fielded her position cleanly with three assists from the circle.
Nelia Peralta came up big in the first inning with the game-winning RBI. With the bases loaded and two outs, Peralta singled up the middle to give Auburn its 2-0 lead. Penta kept the Razorbacks off the board until the sixth. With two on and one out, a miss-hit ball landed perfectly for an infield single to cut the lead to 2-1 before Widra's game-saving snag.
KK McCrary was Auburn's lone extra-base hitter as she came up with a double to help set the table in Auburn's two-run first frame.
Auburn has a day of rest before making the short trek to Troy on Tuesday for a midweek tilt. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. CT.
