The No. 19 Auburn Tigers hosted the No. 16 Georgia Bulldogs for a three-game set at Jane B. Moore Field this weekend. Auburn came into this series after taking two out of three games against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in Starkville, MS last weekend and beating Alabama State in Montgomery on Wednesday night. Georgia came into this series after dropping two out of three games to the LSU Tigers at home last weekend and knocking off the Furman Paladins at home on Wednesday night.
Maddie Penta started game one for Auburn and Madison Kerpics started it for Georgia. The game was tied at one going into the bottom of the fifth inning, but Auburn exploded offensively scoring five runs and taking a 6-1 lead. The Bulldogs scored one run in both the sixth and seventh innings, but it was not enough as Auburn picked up the 6-3 win. Head coach Mickey Dean said, “I was so proud of our team tonight on offense.” He added, “Maddie (Penta) pitched unbelievable. Those last two home runs were my fault. They were terrible pitch calls.”
KK Dismukes took the mound for Auburn in game two and Lauren Mathis took it for Georgia. The Bulldogs got off to a 3-0 lead going into the bottom of the fourth inning, but Auburn was able to put up two runs to cut the deficit to one. Makayla Packer scored off a double from Bri Ellis in the bottom of the sixth inning to tie the game. Jessie Blaine tagged-up on a sac-fly from Nelia Peralta to give Auburn a 4-3 lead. That was enough for the win and a 2-0 lead in the series. Mickey Dean said, “I've been waiting for that outing from KK Dismukes.” He added, “I know she has been as well. I am so proud of her. I could see the confidence growing every inning.”
Maddie Penta got the nod again for Auburn in the series finale and Madison Kerpics got it again for Georgia. The Bulldogs got off to a strong start, scoring five runs in the first two innings. Auburn broke the ice offensively in the bottom of the third inning but could never create enough offense to close the gap. Georgia picked up the 6-3 victory and avoided the sweep. Mickey Dean said, “It was encouraging to see the relief performance from Shelby Lowe.” He added, “The efforts from Sam Yarbrough and Aspyn Godwin in the seventh inning on their senior day brought tears to my eyes.”
Auburn will be back in action next weekend as they travel up to Knoxville, TN for a three-game set with the No. 13 Tennessee Volunteers to close out the regular season.
