AUBURN, Ala. – The No. 21 Auburn Tigers (25-9, 4-2 SEC) swept the Missouri Tigers (20-14, 1-8 SEC) for the first time in school history this weekend at Jane B. Moore Field.
Auburn was able to get off to a fast start with a series clinching double header on Saturday after a commanding 4-0 victory before following it up with a 2-1 victory, giving all the momentum to the home team.
The series was originally scheduled to be played Friday, Saturday and Sunday. However, due to weather, the Sunday matchup was moved up a day, setting up the stage for a double header on Friday.
With Maddie Penta getting the start in the first game, there was little doubt of what the outcome of the game would be.
Penta went the distance for the third time this season, while only giving up two hits. The dominant performance was evident throughout the game, as Penta tied a career high 17 strikes, which also matched Auburn’s single game record in an SEC contest.
"We had some big pinch hits in both games," said head coach Mickey Dean. "We had unbelievable defense by both teams. It was unreal to watch. Maddie (Penta) hit her spots and was able to control the lineup, and what a job that Annabelle (Widra) did coming in so early in relief. It was two fun games to watch."
The junior was able to control much of the game, not giving up a hit until the seventh inning before logging three consecutive strikeouts to end the game with a shutout.
"It was pretty insane," Penta said. "After the game, my heartbeat would not slow down. I wasn't nervous. I just think I put so much into that game. Everything was working well. I was just focusing on every pitch, which can be mentally exhausting. I was just trying to do my best for my team."
Lindsey Garcia was able to get Auburn on the board with a pair of runs that came from hitting a home run in the first inning. Aubrie Linsenby was able to mimic Garcia but coming off the bench instead of starting. The catcher was able to add a pair of late runs to the scorebook for Auburn.
Much like the first game, the second game proved to have much of the same story, as pitching was the star of the show for Auburn. Annabelle Widra was able to pitch 5.1 innings while only giving up three hits and walking two.
"I was stressing my pitches, stressing my defense," Widra said. "I was doing whatever I could for the team. Having our defense behind me helps me relax and trust my pitches. I know if I miss my spot, they are going to pick me up."
The Michigan transfer has played a crucial role in the pitching rotation for Auburn this year, logging 15 appearances while collecting 56 strikeouts.
Shelby Lowe would come in relief of Lowe but would not have the same success. Lowe would give up four hits and one run in 1.2 innings pitched. Despite the poor showing Auburn was able to secure the win by way of offense from Jessie Blaine.
Blaine was able start off the night with a hit to give Auburn the early lead, which was extended due to an error when Nelia Peralta drove a ball that was mishandled by Missouri.
"I was just doing my best to put the ball in play," Peralta said. "Luckily, it worked out for us. I'm trying to do my job day in and day out. I'm grateful for the team win."
Looking for the sweep, Auburn took to the field Monday night after the day off due to weather. Behind another strong outing from Penta, that saw the junior throw 112 pitches, Auburn would be able to come out victorious by a score of 2-1.
Denver Bryant would be the saving grace in the bottom of the seventh, making the hit that would lead to Abbey Smith scoring the winning run.
"All I could do was make sure I got on base for my teammates," Bryant said. "We can take this momentum and keep going, keep winning. We can take this thing as far as we want to."
The late rally was started by Aubrie Lisenby from a walk and quickly followed up by Bri Ellis, who collected a hit for the first time in 16 plate appearances.
"Tonight, you saw two good teams battling," Dean said. "Our kids certainly battled. I challenged them in the last two innings to play with some more confidence. As each player starts to grow their confidence, good things will continue to happen."
Auburn will be back in action this Wednesday against the Samford Bulldogs. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. CT at Samford Softball Field.
