BATON ROUGE, La. – Auburn softball held No. 19 LSU to three runs, all scored in the second inning, but the early deficit proved too much as Auburn was unable to come up with a timely hit in a 3-0 loss Thursday at Tiger Park.
LSU took advantage of free passes and an Auburn error in the second frame to create traffic on the bases, pairing that with a pair of hits to build its 3-0 lead.
“We had a couple shots offensively,” said co-head coach Chris Malveaux. “LSU made a great play in center. We had a chance to score later in the game, and they made a play at the plate. Adjusting to what Paytn Monticelli was doing was pretty much the story of the game. We had a difficult time picking up what she was doing. She was sharp and throwing well.”
Auburn put runners on base throughout the game, including having a Tiger in scoring position in the second, fourth and sixth innings, but couldn’t come up with the timely hit, leaving six runners stranded.
The Tigers’ best scoring opportunity came in the sixth inning as senior McKaela Walker led off the frame with a double. Sophomore AnnaLea Adams sent a deep fly ball to the outfield, but Jalia Lassiter robbed her of a home run. Walker later attempted to score on a ground ball to the right side, but the play at the plate was in time to keep Auburn off the board.
LSU (35-16, 11-11 SEC) threatened early as three straight singles loaded the bases in the bottom of the first, but sophomore Ella Harrison (11-13) responded with back-to-back strikeouts to keep the game scoreless.
Auburn’s defense couldn’t escape the second inning unscathed. After a pair of free passes, an infield error on a sacrifice bunt brought in LSU’s first run. The Bayou Bengals followed with an infield single to extend the lead to 2-0.
Freshman Haven Roebuck recorded the first out of the inning with a diving snag on a popped-up bunt attempt. After LSU loaded the bases again with a single to left, it traded an out for a run to plate its third of the frame.
Auburn (25-25, 4-18 SEC) finished with four hits, with Walker’s sixth-inning double accounting for the team’s only extra-base hit.
Freshman Charley Butler was strong in relief, giving Auburn a chance. She allowed just one hit over three innings while striking out two.
“Charley gave us a shot,” Malveaux added. “She did a great job of pounding the zone. We’re going to need that again at some point this weekend.”
GAME NOTES
- With her leadoff walk, Kylie Shaw has now reached safely in 46 of 50 games this season.
- McKaela Walker’s sixth-inning double was her eighth of the season and the 10th of her collegiate career.
- Charley Butler made her longest appearance of the season, tossing three innings.
UP NEXT
Game two of the series is scheduled for a 6 p.m. CT start on SEC Network+. Brit Bowen and JJ Jackson will provide radio coverage on WEGL 91.1 FM. Fans can also stream the broadcast on the Auburn Tigers website and mobile app. With inclement weather in Friday’s forecast, fans are encouraged to check Auburn softball’s official social media accounts for updates.