MOBILE, Ala. – Freshman Delaney Aumua drove in six runs to lead Auburn softball (20-10) to an 11-2 run-rule victory at South Alabama (19-12) Tuesday at Jaguar Field.
Auburn jumped out to a hot start, scoring six runs in the first inning, highlighted by Aumua driving in four on the first grand slam of her collegiate career. The Tigers were patient at the plate, drawing 12 walks, which set a South Alabama record for most walks issued in a single game. It was Auburn’s first true road win of the season.
“We were patient at the plate,” said co-head coach Chris Malveaux. “It was important to see SJ (Geurin) get back on the horse and do her thing. That was a big goal today: controlling the zone and letting the game come to us.”
Aumua finished 2-for-3 with a home run, a double and a career-high six RBI.
“She’s another one who is not overswinging and letting the game come to her,” Malveaux said of Aumua. “South Alabama can be a tough place to play. It was important for us to score early and put multiple runs up. Kudos to her for stepping up.”
Auburn took advantage of free passes, scoring the first two runs of the game without the aid of a hit. South Alabama’s Ryley Harrison struggled in the start, issuing three walks, a hit by pitch and a wild pitch to the first four Tiger batters.
South Alabama brought Tori Miller into the game in relief, and Aumua welcomed her with a grand slam to straightaway center to build a 6-0 lead. Auburn again used free passes in the top of the second to load the bases ahead of Aumua, who delivered a double to drive in a pair.
The Tigers added another crooked number in the third. After sophomore Kylie Shaw doubled to lead off the frame, Alyssa Hastings drew a walk to put two on for senior McKaela Walker. Walker singled to right field to drive in one run. Sophomore AnnaLea Adams made it a 10-0 Auburn lead with a sacrifice fly that scored Hastings.
Freshman Daigle Wilson manufactured Auburn’s 11th run on her own. After drawing a walk, Wilson stole second and advanced to third on an errant throw before scoring on a wild pitch.
Starting pitcher SJ Geurin held the Jaguars scoreless and to one hit until the third inning, when a two-out double from Kara Wine drove in a pair. Geurin earned the win to improve to 5-3. Junior Malayna Tamborra and redshirt freshman Blayne Godfrey each added scoreless innings in relief.
GAME NOTES
- Auburn is 16-1 this season when it scores at least six runs. The mark improves to 40-3 all-time under Chris and Kate Malveaux.
- Auburn set a season high for total walks with 12 in the contest. Auburn’s previous high of 10 was set against Troy on Feb. 27. The 12 walks tied for the fourth most in a single game for the Tigers. The last time Auburn drew 12 or more walks in a game was at Alabama on May 5, 2017.
- Delaney Aumua went 2-for-3 at the plate with a career high six RBI. Aumua slugged her first career grand slam behind her first-inning blast. It was her third home run of the season. Her double in the second inning was her fourth of the season. Aumua has two multi-hit games and two multi-RBI games to her credit.
- Kylie Shaw doubled in the third inning. It was the fifth double of the season.
- SJ Geurin earned her fifth win of the season. It was the 30th win of her collegiate career.
UP NEXT
The Tigers return home 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.