Golden Eagle

Game 3: Auburn 3 - Alabama 1 Auburn WINS the game and takes the series 2 games to 1. It's Great To Be An Auburn Tiger!!! Auburn had 3 runs on 7 hits with 0 errors. Maddie Penta pitched 7 innings; threw 114 pitches, gave up 1 run on 6 hits, walked 1, and struck out 8. Alabama had 1 run on 6 hits with 0 errors. Montana Fouts pitched 7 innings; threw 123 pitches, gave up 3 runs on 7 hits, walked 1, and struck out 11 (she also Intentionally Walked Peralta in the top of the 7th). *************************************************************************************** No question Montana Fouts has been a very effective pitcher for Bama these past 5 years, but how about Maddie Penta? After today's game, here's how the two compare for the 2023 season. Penta > Fouts. Penta: 21 wins/5 losses/2 saves. 177 IP / 31 R / 26 ER / 1.03 ERA / 96 H / 32 BB / 250 SO Fouts: 18 wins/8 losses/4 saves. 179.1 IP / 50 R / 41 ER / 1.60 ERA / 106 H / 34 BB / 273 SO

Agree Penta didn't look her best today (but still easily good enough to beat Bama). I wondered if they deliberately held some pitches for tomorrow? I liked the stat that Auburn hasn't lost a game when Brie hits a bomb...let's hope she does that early tomorrow.

I feel sure that was CMD's intent...to maximize chance Penta would win her game so didn't pit her against Fouts in the first game. Tomorrow will be interesting. Auburn batters were pretty awful in game 1 against Fouts - swung at a lot of balls out of the strike zone, didn't make much contact. Bama batters were better against Penta in terms of discipline and making contact...just couldn't string together hits (fortunately).

Game 2: This one (fortunately) went as expected as well. Auburn 5 - Alabama 1 Auburn had 5 runs on 6 hits with 3 errors. Maddie Penta pitched all 7 innings; threw 114 pitches, gave up 1 run on 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 7. Alabama had 1 run on 3 hits with 3 errors. Alex Salter pitched the first 4 innings; threw 67 pitches, gave up 4 runs on 4 hits, walked 1, and struck out 3. Jaala Torrence pitched the final 3 innings; threw 47 pitches, gave up 1 run on 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2.

Game 1: About as expected...Auburn 1 - Alabama 6 Auburn had 1 run on 3 hits with 1 error. Shelby Lowe pitched the first 4.1 innings; threw 58 pitches, gave up 2 runs on 4 hits, walked 0, and struck out 3 Annabelle Widra pitched the final 1.2 innings; threw 26 pitches, gave up 4 runs on 5 hits, walked 0, and struck out 1. Alabama had 6 runs on 9 hits with 0 errors. Montana Fouts pitched 7 innings; threw 96 pitches, gave up 1 run on 3 hits, walked 2, and struck out 7.

What a close game! Unbelievable trip around the bases for Stansfield...we'll take it for the W. War Eagle - let's get 2 more this weekend!

#21 Auburn (33-13 overall, 9-6 SEC conference) plays a 3-game series Fri/Sat/Sun - vs - #13 Alabama (33-13 overall, 9-6 SEC conference) in Tuscaloosa. Game 1: Friday, Apr 21 @ 8:00 pm CST will be broadcast on SEC network ***RAINED OUT*** Game 1: Saturday, Apr 22 @ 11:30 am CST will be streamed on SEC+ Game 2: Saturday, Apr 22 @ 3:00 pm CST will be broadcast on SEC network Game 3: Sunday, Apr 23 @ 11:30 am CST will be broadcast on ESPN Statistically, 2 evenly-matched teams. A great opportunity for Auburn to win an away series. War Eagle! (rankings are by ESPN/USA Softball based on games thru Apr 16)

Thanks for posting this - always good to get some perspective. Count me among those who have been frustrated with Auburn's offensive approach and results this year. And compounding the frustration for me is that we haven't seen improvement during CMD's tenure. AU didn't play a particularly difficult pre-conference schedule which, IMHO, contributed to the 'high' early-season batting averages and maybe set a false expectation for the team themselves about how effective they were at the plate. But when they have faced a very good pitcher the batters often seemed lost - swinging for the fences, short at bats (didn't foul off pitches when they were down 2 strikes while waiting for something good to hit...and therefore, didn't make the pitcher work/drive up her pitch count), lots of poor bunt attempts (popups for outs), etc. The exception to this pattern was Peralta who leads the team (conference?) in walks. It was hard to tell without any inside info whether the problem was the players themselves, the coaching, the in-game batting instructions from Lenti or ??? Auburn (9-6 in conference play) has played 5 SEC series this year. They swept Missouri (4-14 in conference play); won 2 of 3 against Ole Miss (5-10 in conference play) and LSU (7-8 in conference play; and won 1 of 3 against Georgia (12-5 in conference play) and Florida (8-7 in conference play). Remaining conference series are against Alabama (9-6 in conference play - note, 3 of those wins came last weekend against Mississippi State who has lost 9 in a row...), South Carolina (7-8 in conference play), and Mississippi State (3-11 in conference play). So while we have had good wins against GA, FL, and LSU we have one of the easier SEC schedules this year (which doesn't help our ranking or RPI). Having said all of that, Auburn's defense and pitching are good enough (especially if Shelby Lowe can get back in the rotation without limit) for Auburn to be competitive in every game they play if they can perform at the plate. I think they showed more discipline during the Florida series and that continued through the Troy game and the LSU series. When CMD was interviewed briefly during game 3 of the LSU series he said the batters needed to 'look out and then come in' based on how LSU was pitching to them. Commentator Michelle Smith then expanded on CMD's remark and agreed with his assessment. I don't doubt that the coaches know the intricacies of the game - the question is whether they can leverage their knowledge and observations into effective coaching of Auburn's batters. I'm hopeful that that has started to happen.

Now that I know the ending, I'm glad I watched the whole game. Have to admit my anxiety rose steadily thoughout the game - wanted the win soooo bad for the team (and us fans). Whew, I'm exhausted, LOL. Pitching and defense were outstanding by both teams. I agree - Tresvik's run around the bases - and her slide at home - were textbook perfection. And Packer had the well-placed hit that made it possible. What a perfect ending to the weekend. P.S. And how about Shelby Lowe coming in late and pitching lights out. My heart skipped a beat when Maddie came out - thought we might lose at that point. We need Lowe in the mix for the rest of the season.

Game 3: WHAT. A. GAME. Auburn 1 - LSU 0 in 9 innings. Auburn wins the series 2 games to 1. WAR DAMN EAGLE!!!

Game 2 Summary: LSU 3 - Auburn 2 Series tied at one game apiece. Auburn had 2 runs on 3 hits (1 HR, 1 double) with 0 errors and 3 batters left on base. They stole 1 base. Shelby Lowe pitched 4 innings; she threw 55 pitches, struck out 5, didn't give up any walks, gave up 2 hits and 2 earned runs. Annabelle Widra pitched the last 3 innings; she threw 54 pitches, struck out 3, walked 1, gave up 3 hits and 1 earned run. LSU had 3 runs on 5 hits (1 HR, 1 double) with 0 errors and 3 batters left on base. They did not have any stolen bases. Freshman Sydney Berson pitched all 7 innings; she threw 105 pitches, struck out 4, walked 4, gave up 3 hits and 2 earned runs. Shelby Lowe looked like her old self today - great to see her back. Unfortunately, Dean said she is on a pitch count (which I'm guessing must be 60 pitches) so she was taken out of the game after 4 innings. I can't remember whether she had surgery or just rest/physical therapy after her pitching issues last year but it's concerning that she is still having issues midway through this year. Wondering if it's something she will ever fully recover from or whether she will always be limited?...anybody know more about her situation? Widra took an inning to settle in (gave up a run in the 5th) but was very effective after that. Auburn had yet another base running error but, unlike yesterday, this one may have changed the outcome of the game. Lisenby on 3rd and Garcia on 1st with 2 outs and McCrary up to bat. Garcia stole 2nd and dared the catcher to throw her out so Lisenby could steal home. The catcher did throw to the short stop who immediately threw to home and Lisenby was out by a mile. If Lisenby had stayed put at 3rd, Auburn would have had 2 runners in scoring position and McCrary at the plate - and at least a chance to add some runs. Momentum seemed to shift back to LSU at that point. Sydney Berson was very good in the circle for LSU. She is just a freshman so will be around for 3 more years...likely getting better every year. LSU, in my opinion, was better at the plate than Auburn over the last 3 innings. They had long at bats, fouling off balls while they figured out timing, and were then able to put the ball in play. Auburn seemed to settle for a lot of poorly hit balls in the last couple of innings... Disappointing loss.

Game 2 Shelby Lowe pitching for Auburn. Looks like she's in good form today. Sydney Berzon, freshman, pitching for LSU

Saw that Florida run-ruled Georgia 13-4 last night. Skylar Wallace must have had a lot of built-up frustration after facing Maddie Penta last weekend. She went 4 for 4 last night with a walk and 3 home runs! Yikes.

Game 1 Summary: Auburn had 5 runs on 8 hits (2 HRs, 1 double) with 0 errors and 2 batters left on base. They stole 3 bases. Maddie Penta pitched all 7 innings; she threw 102 pitches, struck out 5, didn't give up any walks, and gave up 3 earned runs. LSU had 3 runs on 6 hits (2 HRs) with 0 errors and 1 batter left on base. They did not have any stolen bases. Ali Kilponen pitched 4 innings; she threw 72 pitches, struck out 4, walked 1, and gave up 4 earned runs. Alea Johnson pitched 2 innings: she threw 25 pitches, struck out 1, didn't give up any walks, and gave up 1 earned run. Great win for Auburn! I have been critical of Auburn's batting performance this year but noted during the Florida series that I thought they were more disciplined at the plate - and I thought they were good again tonight. I'm sure it's easier to be disciplined when you're ahead (and not desperately swinging at everything trying to hit it out of the park) but I hope they will keep up the steady approach. There were a couple of base running errors tonight (resulting in 2 outs) which, fortunately, didn't determine the outcome of the game. AU defense was very good tonight. Here's hoping Auburn's pitcher can keep LSU offense in check tomorrow and give the AU offense a chance to win it.

Top of 7th: Briggs base hit to 2nd Newland 2-run HR to CF Clark grounded out to SS Petty HR to LF Gutierrez ground out to SS Pleasants popped up to CF Final: Auburn 5 - LSU 3

Top of 6th: Abbie Smith to LF replacing Garcia Redoutey flied out to LF Stewart fouled out to LF Coffey lined out to LF Abbie Smith OWNING left field - 3 great catches! Bottom of 6th: Ellis grounded out to SS Tresvik struck out swinging McCrary fouled out to LF After 6: Auburn 5 - LSU 0

Top of 5th: Petty struck out swinging Gutierrez grounded out to pitcher Pleasants grounded out to 3rd Bottom of 5th: Packer base hit to LF LSU pulled Kilponen and brought in freshman Alea Johnson to pitch Packer stole 2nd Peralta with a 2-run HR to LF!!! Lisenby grounded out to 1st Garcia grounded out to 3rd Bryant flied out to CF After 5: Auburn 5 - LSU 0

Top of 4th: Briggs base hit to RF Newland bunted - out at 1st but moved Briggs to 2nd Maddie with a wild pitch and Briggs stole 3rd Clark tried (unsuccessfully) to bunt and Briggs took off for home; Lisenby threw to Bryant who chased her and tagged her out Clark struck out Bottom of 4th: Bryant struck out swinging Ellis doubled to the right field wall; Skylar Elkins in to run for Ellis Tresvik struck out swinging McCrary singled into shallow right Elkins scores!!! Roach grounded out to 1st After 4: Auburn 3 - LSU 0

Top of 3rd: Redoutey flied out to RF Stewart base hit to shallow RF Coffey struck out Lisenby threw Stewart out trying to steal 2nd Bottom of 3rd: Peralta flied out to CF Lisenby base hit up the middle, Cooper in to run for her Garcia lined out to 2nd base Cooper thrown out trying to get back to 1st as LSU turns a double play After 3: Auburn 2 - LSU 0

Top of 2nd: line out base hit pop out ground out Bottom of 2nd: Tresvik walked McCrary popped out Roach base hit - Tresvik with base running error out at home, Roach advanced to 2nd Roach stole 3rd Packer flied out After 2: Auburn 2 - LSU 0

Top of 1st: Maddie Penta pitching for AU strikeout ground out to pitcher strikeout Bottom of 1st: Ali Kilponen pitching for LSU Peralta struck out Lisenby beat out an infield ground ball Garcia with a 2 run HR!!! Bryant struck out Ellis flied out After 1: Auburn 2 - LSU 0

Yes! I have been updating my prior post after scores come in for each event. Horsemanship is the last event and scores should be coming in soon.

#21 Auburn is hosting # 13 LSU for a 3-game series at Jane B Moore field April 14-16. Game 1: Friday, Apr 14, at 5:00 pm CST will be broadcast on the SEC network Game 2: Saturday, Apr 15, at 1:00 pm CST will be streamed on SEC+ Game 3: Sunday, Apr 16, at 3:00 pm CST will be broadcast on ESPN2 Note: the rankings above are from the USA Today/Coaches poll. Auburn (30-12 overall, 7-5 conference) dropped from #19 to #21 after 2 losses to Florida last weekend. LSU (33-8 overall, 6-6 conference) dropped from #12 to #13 after winning 2 against Missouri last weekend.

According to Auburn Equestrian twitter, AUBURN WINS THEIR SEMIFINAL MATCH against Oklahoma State 14 - 6. Auburn won Fences 4-1 OSU won Reining 3-2 Auburn won Flat 4-1 Auburn won Horsemanship 3-2

It must be very disheartening for Lowe to have not yet returned to her 2021 level of dominance in the circle. Based on previous interviews with her it's clear that softball has been a big part of her life and she takes a lot of pride in her work ethic and performance on the field. Don't know if the issue is physical or mental but I hope for her - and the team, and us fans - she will be back to form very soon. Would hate to see her stellar career end in disappointment. I also hope Maddie doesn't get discouraged. She pitches her heart out (13 strikeouts last night vs 4 by Florida's pitchers) but too often doesn't get enough support from Auburn's offense to win games. Guessing we'll see Widra tonight. I think Rolfe could also be good if she can control her nerves. Florida's pitching didn't suffer when Trlicek replaced Hightower. We need to have a strong group of pitchers to take the pressure off of Maddie.