April 29, 2006
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Ashley Griffin hit a solo home run to break up a scoreless third inning as the No. 19 Auburn Tigers evened the series 1-1 with a game two, 4-0 shutout victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks Saturday. The deciding game of the series is set for 1 p.m. Sunday at Beckham Field.
South Carolina was held to just one hit, a single by Lisa Longo in the third, as Holly Currie lifted the Tigers to victory. Currie improved to 17-9 while Auburn improved to 33-16, 14-12. Kate Pouliot took the loss for USC and fell to 5-7. USC is back at .500 with a 27-27 overall record and is 7-18 in the conference.
With a 1-0 lead in the fourth, Auburn posted three runs off of Pouliot with four hits in the inning. With two outs, Auburn had back-to-back doubles by Heather Garrison and Kristina McCain to drive in the runs. Pouliot would remain in the game and record the final out but the damage was done.
After the second, Currie pitched five hitless innings and allowed only two base runners during the remainder of the game. In the sixth, Jacqueline Wetherbee reached on an error by Griffin, and in the seventh, Christie Hamilton drew a walk in an attempt to spark a come back.
Jessica Barnes entered the game for the Gamecocks in the sixth, making her first appearance since March 25, against Mississippi State. Barnes pitched two innings, struck out two and walked one batter.
USC continues to fight for a berth in the SEC Tournament. The Gamecocks remain in eighth place heading into Sunday’s competition. With a win, USC would hold on to its spot. With a loss, USC’s fate could remain at the hands of other teams.
South Carolina will also recognize its senior class of Ashley Smith and Melanie Henkes prior to the game.
