CLEARWATER, Fla. - The Auburn Tigers defeated the No. 9 Oklahoma State Cowgirls 2-1 behind late-game heroics from senior centerfielder Abbey Smith to improve to 10-0 on the season.
Smith came through for the Tigers in the top of the 5th inning, blasting one over the centerfield wall to break a 1-1 tie for her first career home run. Smith also scored the Tigers' only other run of the game on an Anna Wohlers walk in the 3rd inning. The Tigers would hold on to win behind strong pitching from Haley Rainey and SJ Geurin, both going three plus innings.
This win was the second victory of the day for the Tigers, as they bested the Charlotte 49ers 14-11 before taking on the Cowgirls. First-year head coaches Chris and Kate Malveaux have gotten off to a hot start in their tenure at Auburn, leading the Tigers to their best start since 2015.
The Tigers were excellent in the field for this one, committing zero errors and turning multiple double plays. After committing multiple errors in the first contest of the day, the Tigers were able to clean it up on the defensive side and limit the Cowgirls to just 1 run.
The Cowgirls were plagued by missed opportunities throughout this one, leaving nine runners stranded on base. The Cowgirls also had a runner get thrown out at home in the first inning, proving most costly in a 1-run loss like this.
Auburn will be back in action against the Liberty Flames tomorrow at 11 a.m. at the Eddie C. Moore Softball Complex in Clearwater, Florida. JJ Jackson will be on the call, and you can listen along on the Auburn Sports Network or WEGL 91.1 FM.
