COLUMBIA, Mo. – No. 25 Auburn softball's (12-4-1, 0-2 SEC) offense couldn't come up with the timely hits as No. 12 Missouri (20-2, 2-0) took game two of the series 5-0 Saturday at Mizzou Softball Stadium to claim the series.
"Our defense let us down in the second inning," said head coach Mickey Dean. "It allowed Missouri to set the table for a multi-run home run. We just have to be better at having each other's backs throughout the game when one area may not be performing at the highest level."
Auburn totaled five hits Saturday with Rose Roach pacing the team with a 2-for-3 effort at the plate. KK McCrary knocked Auburn's lone extra base hit with a double in the third inning.
Missouri used a pair of hits and a wild pitch to plate an early run in the opening frame but starting pitcher Annabelle Widra responded to limit the damage.
Taking advantage of Auburn defensive miscues in the second inning, Missouri scored four runs with a three-run home run from Chantice Phillips doing most of the damage.
Shelby Lowe entered the game in relief in the second inning. After giving up a single, Lowe retired 10 straight to silence the Missouri offense. She struck out a pair of Tigers. Emmah Rolfe turned in a solid relief effort in the sixth, allowing just one hit in her scoreless frame.
Auburn looks to play spoiler on Sunday with the series finale set for 12 p.m. CT on the SEC Network+.