FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Auburn softball grabbed an early lead, but Arkansas scored four unanswered runs to take game three of the series, 4-1, Monday at Bogle Park.
Auburn (23-16, 2-10 SEC) scored its first run of the series with the aid of an Arkansas miscue in the first inning, but the Razorbacks (33-5, 8-4 SEC) used three solo home runs to come from behind and complete the sweep.
We came out and fought,” said co-head coach Chris Malveaux. “I liked the way we settled in the circle and defensively to put ourselves in position to win. We took a step forward in the rhythm of our at-bats. We barreled a lot of balls and had nothing to show for it. They barreled balls and got everything. That’s the difference in the game.
“The game is reminding us that it’s a humbling process and that getting back on track takes time. I feel like we’re just a step away. Success is around the corner if we continue to push through.”
Junior Alyssa Hastings recorded both of Auburn’s hits in Monday’s contest, finishing with a pair of singles. The Tigers also drew five walks to keep traffic on the bases.
Auburn used multiple arms from its pitching staff. Sophomore Ella Harrison (10-7) earned the start, tossing three innings while allowing three runs and striking out two.
Redshirt freshman Abby Herndon turned in a strong relief appearance, tossing two scoreless innings and allowing just one hit. Redshirt freshman Blayne Godfrey, freshman Charley Butler and junior SJ Geurin also saw action in relief.
“I felt like Ella (Harrison) had a better start compared to game one,” Malveaux added. “Kudos to our staff. They came in and did their jobs to keep Arkansas guessing when it could have easily gone the other direction. They attacked and got after it.”
The first two Auburn batters reached safely as sophomore Kylie Shaw drew a walk and Hastings singled to left. Arkansas starting pitcher Saylor Timmerman induced a pair of groundouts with her defense making a play at the plate to keep the game scoreless. However, Timmerman’s errant throw to first on what would have been the third out allowed Auburn to score.
Auburn’s lead held until the second inning when Arkansas responded with a pair of solo home runs.
The Razorbacks added another solo home run to lead off the fourth, forcing Auburn to go to the bullpen. A single and a pair of wild pitches moved a runner to third with one out, and Arkansas manufactured its fourth run with a sacrifice bunt as the Tigers elected to record the out at first base.
Auburn had a chance to cut into the deficit in the fifth as senior McKaela Walker sent a drive to right field, but Arkansas right fielder Kailey Wyckoff made a leaping catch at the wall to rob a home run and preserve the 4-1 lead.
GAME NOTES
- Kylie Shaw drew a walk in the first inning to extend her reached base streak to 12 consecutive games. She has reached safely in 38 of 39 contests this season.
- Shaw has drawn 41 walks this season and is now tied with Emily Carosone (2016) and Morgan Estell (2015) for the 10th most walks in a single season at Auburn.
- Alyssa Hastings went 2-for-3 for her ninth multi-hit game of the season. Her career total now stands at 40.
UP NEXT
Auburn returns to Jane B. Moore Field April 10-12 to host in-state rival No. 1 Alabama for a three-game series. It is Alumni Weekend on the Plains as Auburn will honor former players in attendance during a pregame ceremony on Sunday.
Fans are asked to wear navy for Friday’s opener. Shakers will be available while supplies last. Saturday marks the SEC’s annual “All for Alex” game. Teams across the league will wear teal in honor of Alex Wilcox, a former Mississippi State softball student-athlete who passed away from ovarian cancer in 2018. Sunday’s finale is the “All Auburn, All Orange” game with Auburn softball shirts available while supplies last.