AUBURN, Ala. (Feb. 15) — Auburn broke a 1-1 tie with a two-run fourth inning and went on a to 3-1 softball victory Tuesday, February 15, over Georgia Tech at the Auburn Softball Complex. The Tigers improved to 5-2 on the season, while the Jackets fell to 2-1 with their first loss of the season.
Tech struck first in the top of the second inning when second baseman Ellen Styer singled to lead off the frame. Two outs later, third baseman Jamie Frost doubled to the left centerfield gap to push Styer across for the early lead. The Tigers tied the game in the bottom of the third when designated player Rasheedah Hameed walked to lead off Auburn half of the inning, stole second base and then advanced to third base on a wild pitch. Centerfielder Ashley Moore singled to center to drive in Hameed and tie the score at one apiece.
The Tigers went ahead in the fourth when third baseman Kimball Pratt delivered an RBI single and then scored one batter later on a fielder’s choice. Tech had runners reach on singles in both the sixth and seventh innings, but was unable to get either runner beyond second base. The Jackets finished with six hits in the contest and stranded one runner in each inning. Styer went 2-for-2 with a walk and a run scored to pace Tech, while left fielder Heather Sumrow went 2-for-3.
Freshman pitcher Tiffany Goodman yielded seven hits and three runs in five innings, while senior Jamie Smith pitched two perfect innings in relief.
The Jackets return to action Friday in the Triangle Classic in Raleigh, N.C., at Walnut Creek Softball Complex. Tech plays Elon at 2 p.m. and Wright State at 4 p.m., before playing Minnesota at Noon Saturday before moving into championship play.
Georgia Tech 010 000 0 -- 1 6 1Auburn 001 200 x -- 1 7 1
Goodman, Smith (6) and Knobbe. Joiner, Lofton (3) and Martin.
W — Lofton (2-1)
L — Goodman (0-1)
T — 2:.01
A — 83
