TROY, Ala. – Auburn softball put traffic on base in virtually every inning but was unable to come up with a timely hit as the Tigers fell to Troy, 2-0, Wednesday night at the Troy Softball Complex.
Auburn (24-22) totaled three hits and nine free passes but ultimately left all 12 runners on base. Defensive miscues proved costly as the Trojans (30-17) took advantage of three Auburn errors to help manufacture their two runs.
“It’s tough for Ella (Harrison) and our defense,” said co-head coach Chris Malveaux. “They hit a couple balls that blooped in the right spot or hit right off the handle. They were able to take advantage of those things when they were in those situations, and that was the difference in the game. Two runs shouldn’t be something monumental to overcome, but we didn’t play the other part of the game incredibly well. It felt like no matter what we tried, it didn’t work.”
Auburn had early opportunities, drawing six free passes and taking advantage of a Trojan error across the first three frames, but was unable to come up with a hit to push across a run.
Troy capitalized on an Auburn defensive miscue and a wild pitch to score the game’s first run in the opening frame. The Trojans led off the second with a single, and an Auburn error allowed them to take an extra base. Troy then executed small ball with a pair of sacrifices to drive in its second run.
The Tigers were held hitless until the fifth inning when junior Alyssa Hastings led off the frame with a double to right field. After lining into a double play, the Tigers loaded the bases with a walk and an infield bunt single from junior Ma’Nia Womack, but Auburn was again unable to push across a run.
Auburn had a late chance, bringing the go-ahead run to the plate in the sixth, but a strikeout ended the threat.
Sophomore Ella Harrison was strong in the circle for the Tigers. In five innings, she scattered five hits and a walk. Neither run she allowed was earned. She struck out four. Freshman Charley Butler turned in another scoreless inning of relief, striking out two of the three batters she faced.
“These are must-win games coming up,” Malveaux added. “We’ve got to lock in and be ready to go in two days.”
GAME NOTES
- Alyssa Hastings doubled in the fifth inning to record her ninth of the season, bringing her career total to 34.
- Ava Ratliff singled in the sixth to extend her hit streak to four consecutive games.
UP NEXT
Auburn returns to Jane B. Moore Field for the final time this regular season, hosting Ole Miss this weekend in a three-game series. Friday’s opener is set for 6 p.m. CT and will feature a player trading card giveaway while supplies last. Saturday’s contest is scheduled for 2 p.m. CT, and Auburn’s graduating student-athletes will participate in a pregame on-field graduation ceremony. Sunday is Senior Day as the Tigers will honor McKaela Walker and Destiny Rodriguez in a pregame ceremony. First pitch is set for 12 p.m. CT.