AUBURN, ALABAMA (EETV) For the fifth time in just 11 games, the No. 21 Auburn softball program found itself on the winning side of a run-rule contest when the Tigers trampled in-state foe Jacksonville state 10-0 in six innings on Wednesday night.
After posting just three runs across the first five frames and holding their opponents scoreless behind the arm of sophomore Maddie Penta, Mickey Dean’s squad saw their bats come to life, hanging a seven-run inning and effectively putting the Gamecocks’ chance at victory away.
"That was a big sixth inning," Dean said. "I thought Maddie (Penta) did a nice job in the circle because they are a team that doesn't strike out a lot, and they walk a lot. If you look at the numbers, she didn't walk anyone and struck out seven."
On the offensive side of the field, the orange and blue were lead by fellow sophomores Nelia Peralta, Makalya Packer and freshman Jessie Blaine. Peralta posted a trio of RBIs on a 2-3 effort, Packer posted three hits with an RBI and Blaine posted a multi-hit game, blasting her second home run of the season.
"We've been facing some really difficult pitching," Blaine said. "Today, we were ready to come out and have a good time, let loose and feel the ball come off the bat. I was happy to go up there and do my job so my teammates can do theirs."
With Wednesday’s win, the Tigers improved to 10-1 on the young season and will now turn their eyes upon the next challenge: the 2022 installment of the Plainsman Invite where Dean’s squad will play host to the likes of ULM, Delaware State, Bradley and Syracuse.
Auburn opens up this weekend’s competition at Jane B. Moore Field against the Warhawks of ULM at 2:30 p.m. CST. Live coverage of the clash will be available on the Auburn radio network.
