UK Softball avoids series sweep, defeat Auburn Tigers 5-1

In the third game of the series against Auburn (25-13, 5-10 SEC), the Kentucky Wildcats (30-10, 6-9 SEC) managed to avoid a series sweep, defeating the Tigers 5-1. Despite winning the series 2-1, this did not seem to be Auburn’s day as they were able to accumulate five hits, but just one run that came late in the sixth inning.

For the Wildcats, junior catcher Kayla Kowalik had herself a day with three hits, including two doubles in four at-bats. She is now batting .700 in the last three SEC series against Tennessee, Georgia, and Auburn while extending her hitting streak to 20 games. Rylea Smith also added two hits in her three at-bats. Freshman star Erin Coffel and Tatum Spangler both added a hit and RBI in their three plate appearances.

Another 3-hit day for @kswaggyyyy as she slaps a double into LF!

You know. Just another Sunday for her. pic.twitter.com/zS2cNqFKKy

— Kentucky Softball (@UKsoftball) April 18, 2021

As for senior Autumn Humes, she pitched her eighth complete game, allowing one run, six hits, and five strikeouts en route to the win.

FINAL – Kentucky 5, Auburn 1

Kowalik goes 3-for-4 at the plate with a pair of doubles, and Humes goes the distance in the circle!

Big win on get-away day!!#WeAreUK pic.twitter.com/vjiK1y0Vh6

— Kentucky Softball (@UKsoftball) April 18, 2021

Auburn’s starting pitcher Shelby Lowe allowed four hits and runs, while KK Dismukes came in as relief before allowing another run and three more hits in the last two innings of the game. Lowe was able to strike out six batters but was unable to stop the scoring barrage by Kentucky’s offense. One of the few highlights for Auburn early on was this flyout at the top of the 3^rd.

Sun Ball? No Problem 😎

💻 https://t.co/QoF1ILacUX#WarEagle | @makenna_dowell pic.twitter.com/WkhPUCMGrE

— Auburn Softball (@AuburnSoftball) April 18, 2021

For Auburn’s offense, Tyler King continued her hitting streak, accumulating two hits in her four plate appearances, while also stealing a base. Right-fielder Alyssa Rivera was also able to get a stolen base, along with a home run, two hits, and an RBI in her three at-bats. Kelsey Schmidt in her one at-bat was walked and managed to collect a stolen base.

Kentucky now returns home to face the Louisville Cardinals on April 21^st, before hosting the LSU Tigers in a three-game series starting on April 23^rd. As for Auburn, they look to now win their third-straight series against Ole Miss.