Auburn (13-4-1, 1-2) defeated Missouri (20-3, 2-1) 4-0 Sunday afternoon in Columbia behind a big day at the plate. Auburn lost game one 5-2 and game two 5-0, but responded in a big way Sunday to avoid the sweep.
"We did a nice job of making adjustments at the plate," said Auburn head coach Mickey Dean. "Our defense played sharp. Maddie hit her spots. We had a game plan that everyone was able to stick with. It ended up being a great day."
It was only a matter of time before Auburn's bats came to life. Auburn mounted just seven hits in the first two games of the series resulting in two runs in two games against Missouri. On Sunday, Auburn broke through with 10 hits and scored four runs.
First baseman Amelia Lech hit two home runs on Sunday resulting in three of Auburn's four runs. Lech came into the series hitting over .300 but struggled in the first two games like everyone else. She was due to break out.
Lech was not alone, though. Centerfielder Makayla Packer drove in the game's first run on Sunday with a triple to left field. She finished the day 1-3. Third-baseman Anna Whalers and left-fielder Abbey Smith each added two hits as well on Sunday.
Auburn's hitting was the story on Sunday, but that's not to overlook star pitcher Maddie Penta. Penta had an uncharacteristic start in the opener on Friday night. She gave up six hits in five innings pitched and three earned runs. Penta was determined to get back on track Sunday. She threw a complete game, only allowing four hits, and had seven strikeouts.
Auburn's hitting has been the team's weakness so far this season, but Sunday was a good sign for the future. Missouri pitcher Lauren Krings has been phenomenal this season and she got the best of Auburn on Friday night, but Auburn found success against her on Sunday.
Another positive sign for the Tigers was Shelby Lowe's performance in game two. Lowe threw 3.2 innings of relief on Saturday and only allowed one hit. Auburn knows it has one of the best pitchers in the country in Maddie Penta, but the second starter is still up for grabs. Lowe has battled injuries throughout her career, but if she comes on strong it elevates the level of the team.
Auburn certainly would have preferred to win the opening series of SEC play, but finding a way to avoid the sweep is important. The SEC is loaded as always and plenty more tough games await. Auburn showed the ability to battle through adversity against Missouri.
Next up, Auburn will host Arkansas for a series at Jane B. Moore field this upcoming weekend. The first pitch of the series opener is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Friday. It will air on SEC Network+ and the Auburn Sports Network.
