NORMAN, Okla. – No. 24 Auburn softball (19-10, 2-4 SEC) battled from behind to tie the game at 2-2, but No. 6 Oklahoma (28-2, 3-0 SEC) found its offense in a 14-2 win in five innings Sunday at Love’s Field.
“When you leave the door open for a team in an environment like this, they are going to bust through,” said co-head coach Chris Malveaux. “We’ve got to do a better job of keeping those doors closed. We were competing, but Oklahoma did a good job of changing the way they were pitching. We looked to adjust. We got what we wanted, but we didn’t connect the way that we would have liked. We have to make sure we’re paying attention to details in those moments.”
Auburn was held to three hits. Freshman Daigle Wilson put the Tigers on the scoreboard with her two-run home run in the third inning.
After a scoreless first frame, an Auburn error proved costly. Oklahoma followed the miscue with a single, sacrifice bunt and a walk to put runners on the corners. A two-out double by Kasidi Pickering plated a pair of unearned runs.
The lead with short-lived as Wilson, making her first SEC start in place of an injured Destiny Rodriguez, connected for a two-run home run to left field, tying the game in the top of the third.
Errors plagued the Tigers in the bottom of the third, providing extra bases and extending the frame. The Sooners drove in three runs to regain the lead. A two-run double from Kai Minor did most of the damage.
Oklahoma’s offense exploded for nine runs in the fourth inning, highlighted by two home runs from Kendall Wells, to push the game into run-rule territory.
Auburn used three pitchers in the contests. Redshirt freshman Abby Herndon (4-3) earned the start and went 2.2 innings. She matched her season high with three strikeouts.
“We’ve got a couple games this week against in-state teams that want to beat us,” Malveaux added. “They are good competition. We’ve got to clean some things up tomorrow and be ready to compete Tuesday and Wednesday.”
GAME NOTES
- Auburn has hit at least one home run in four straight games. Eleven different Tigers have slugged a home run this season.
- Daigle Wilson’s two-run home run in the third inning was the first of her collegiate career. It also marked the second multi-hit game of her career.
- Abby Herndon matched her season and career high with three strikeouts. She has struck out three batters in three previous appearances this season.
UP NEXT
Auburn continues its road swing on Tuesday with a midweek contest at South Alabama. First pitch is set for 5 p.m. CT. The contest will air on ESPN+. JJ Jackson will have the radio call on WEGL 91.1 FM. The broadcast can also be streamed on the Auburn Tigers website or mobile app.
BACK AT HOME
The Tigers return home on Wednesday for Fan Appreciation Night at Jane B. Moore Field when Auburn hosts Jacksonville State at 6 p.m. CT. Fans will receive a free shoe koozie while supplies last. It’s Diamond Deals Day at the park as fans can enjoy $2.50 hot dogs and $5 domestic brews.