MADISON, Ala. - Auburn softball suffered its first loss of the season in the Rocket City Showcase, falling 5-1 to the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. Prior to this game, Auburn had won 11 straight and held a top-20 ranking; however, a strong showcase from Louisiana Tech ended that streak.
Auburn started off strong with starting pitcher Chalea Clemmons striking out her first three batters. However, at the start of the second inning, a dropped fly ball was followed by a home run by the Bulldogs’ Nicole Hammoude, leading to Auburn being down 2-0.
Auburn fought back well, with the third inning seeing the Tiger's first run and Chalea Clemmons claiming a new career high in strikeouts with six. Thalia Martin’s score on a throwing error this inning would unfortunately be the only time the Tigers made it onto the scoreboard, despite having the bases loaded.
After falling down 2-1, it seemed Auburn never truly found its footing. Louisiana Tech would go on to score three more runs in the top of the sixth, with another 2-run homer, this time from sophomore Reagan Marchant. Another single would get Tech’s Claire Raley to walk home for the Bulldog’s final score of the game.
Hitting proved to be the deciding factor, as the Bulldogs tallied five runs on six hits, while Auburn managed just one hit and a lone run. The Tigers’ final 11 batters struck out, and three defensive errors sealed a tough night in Madison.
There will be plenty more opportunities for head coaches Chris and Kate Malveaux’s team this weekend, as the Tigers are still slated for contests against North Alabama, Miami (OH) and Jacksonville State to round out the weekend. The first pitch against UNA will be at 10:00 a.m. CT with coverage on WEGL 91.1 FM and The Auburn Sports Network.
