Auburn (23-13-1, 5-10) defeated No. 6 LSU (33-8, 10-8) 3-1 Sunday afternoon. The win gave Auburn its first SEC series win of the year. The visiting Tigers dominated from the circle allowing only five runs the entire series. Auburn needed an SEC series win in the worst way and on Sunday the Tigers finally accomplished it.
"What a three-game series," said Auburn head coach Mickey Dean. "We didn't focus on last night's game very long. We flushed it quick."
Auburn won the first game of the series Friday night by a score of 3-2. Senior Shelby Lowe started the game throwing 4.1 innings allowing two earned runs. Junior Annabelle Widra came in first in relief of Lowe finishing off the fourth inning before ace Maddie Penta pitched the final two innings allowing just one hit while striking out four.
In game two, LSU beat Auburn 2-0 behind a no-hitter from Kelley Lynch. Maddie Penta could not quite equal Lynch in game two, but she was once again strong from the circle. Penta threw six innings allowing two earned on the day. Auburn, however, could not find a way to plate any runs against a dominating Lynch for LSU.
With the series even heading into Sunday, Auburn would once again turn to senior Shelby Lowe in the circle. Lowe delivered exactly what the Tigers needed. Lowe threw a complete game giving up one earned run on three hits leading Auburn to its first SEC series win of the season.
Auburn's pitchers have been the strong suit of the team the whole season, but the rotation their game to another level this weekend in Baton Rouge. Lowe had arguably her weekend from the circle of her career finishing the weekend having thrown 11.1 innings giving up only three runs.
"How about Shelby Lowe," Dean said. "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. I was nervous, but I trusted her. Her teammates had her back, so I left her in. I'm glad I did."
Lowe's performance this weekend slightly overshadowed yet another strong weekend from Maddie Penta. Penta did not pick up the win in her start Saturday but was critical in Auburn holding on to defeat LSU in the series opener. Penta threw nine innings allowing only two earned runs throughout the series.
Auburn's hitters did not plate many runs during the series, but thanks to strong pitching they did not need to. The Tigers only needed three runs in game one and game three to win. Auburn scored just six runs in the entire series, but it resulted in two wins which is all that matters.
Winning a series on the road against the No. 6 team in the country should give Auburn plenty of confidence moving forward. Next up for Auburn is a game against UAB in Birmingham on Wednesday night. The Tigers will look to build on this weekend as they continue to work towards making a regional.
Wednesday night's game will be on the Auburn Sports Network. The first pitch is scheduled for 5:00 PM.
