The No. 23 Kentucky Wildcats (27-15) visit the Auburn Tigers (23-13-1) for a three game series starting Saturday, April 20, at Jane B. Moore Field. The Auburn Tigers will look to build on their momentum from last weekend's series win as the SEC tournament approaches.
Shelby Lowe, who will be honored with her own Senior night, will be taking the mound on Saturday to set the tone after a dominant performance to secure the series win on Sunday afternoon. Auburn head coach Mickey Dean was impressed with Lowe’s stamina and composure.
“How about Shelby Lowe? This was the first time this season that I came to her in the fifth inning and told her I was taking her out and she asked to stay in the game,” Dean said. “I was nervous, but I trusted her. Her teammates had her back, so I left her in. I'm glad I did."
The Tigers are riding high after a monumental series win over the hard hitting, No. 7 LSU Tigers (34-8) in the Bayou last weekend marking their first SEC series win of the season. This was Auburn's first time winning two out of three at Tiger Park since 2016.
Kentucky last competed on Wednesday where they secured a big 12-3 win against in-state rivals Western Kentucky. Auburn’s bats should feast this weekend against the Wildcats who rank last in ERA amongst all teams in the SEC. The Tigers have taken care of Kentucky on the Plains, owning a 25-6 record at home, including winning 9 of the last 10.
Aside from Shelby Lowe, fellow ace Maddie Penta will look to continue her dominant season. Penta has been near unhittable this year boasting an impressive 13-7 record and an unheard of 1.60 ERA. Penta has thrown 7 shutouts and 178 strikeouts this season which ranks 5th and 4th respectively in the nation.
On the offensive side, Auburn will lean on their power/ speed combo of Amelia Lech and Makayla Packer. Lech has done nothing but hit the ball hard this season posting 9 HR, 30 RBIs, and a .633 slugging percentage all of which lead the Tigers. Packer on the other hand has been a speed demon this year hitting 4 triples and stealing 13 bases.
Anna Wohlers will also look to contribute this weekend after hitting 2 doubles against LSU in the opener. Wohlers has been a model of consistency this season batting .333 with 35 hits both of which lead the Tigers.
As Auburn gets ready to play Kentucky, the Tigers look to build on their momentum and win a tough matchup against another SEC foe. With poise, home-field advantage, and a stellar game plan the Tigers are gearing up for another win in front of their rowdy fans. War Eagle!
First pitch is slated for 3 p.m. CT, on SEC Network+. In addition, coverage will be available on WEGL 91.1 FM and the Auburn Sports Network with Brit Bowen and Brant Dautry.
