AUBURN, Ala. - Career performances from Alyssa Rivera and Carmyn Greenwood led the Auburn Tigers to a 10-5 win over Colorado State at the opening game of the Tucson Regional Friday night.
Rivera was the third Auburn player, along with Kendall Veach and Tannon Snow to record a 4-for-4 day at the plate. The junior outfielder hit a first-inning, two-run home run, second-inning double and singles in the fourth and fifth innings. It is the first time Rivera has recorded four hits in her career.
“I was just trying to stay relaxed and within myself and do anything I can to help these pitchers win the game,” Rivera said. “Confidence is always key and we just have to keep fighting and keep chugging along.”
In the bottom of the first, Greenwood entered the game as a pinch-hitter. She singled home Kendall Veach, leading to a three-run inning for Auburn. Greenwood tied her career high with a bunt single in the third inning and a third hit one inning later in the game.
Colorado State had a 3-0 lead with two home runs after the top of the first, but Rivera and Greenwood tied the game in the bottom half of the inning. The Rams took the lead again with two runs the following inning.
Right-handed pitcher Ashlee Swindle kept Colorado State off the scoreboard until she was struck by a batted ball in the top of the fifth inning. Swindle was removed from the game and transported from Hillenbrand Memorial Stadium to Banner University Medical Center in Tucson.
Swindle was evaluated and diagnosed with a concussion before being released to team doctors. She will not be pitching during the remainder of the Tucson Regional.
“I just want to thank my Auburn family and the Arizona doctors for checking up on me and taking care of me,” Swindle said. “I am truly blessed to be apart of such a great family. War Eagle!”
Pitcher Chardonnay Harris re-entered the game, allowing only one base runner the rest of the way.
Auburn tied the game again in the bottom of the fifth inning and took the lead the following inning.
Auburn will face top-seeded Arizona on Saturday, May 18th at 5 p.m.
