March 19, 2011
AUBURN, Ala. – A good showing by the Gamecock defense and senior pitcher Ashley Chastain went for naught, as No. 23/24 Auburn (24-4, 5-2 SEC) claimed the series with a 3-0 win in Saturday’s contest against South Carolina (16-11, 3-6 SEC).
The Tigers scored all they needed in the first when Kyndall White lined a single to right to score Lauren Guzman after she reached on a bunt hit. Auburn added two insurance runs in the sixth with two down, getting RBI singles from Kelley Smiley and Caitlin Stangl in the frame.
South Carolina had its best chance in the top of the first after sophomore shortstop Samie Garcia led off the game with a double. She moved to third on freshman second baseman Dana Hathorn’s single to center with one down. But Auburn catcher Elizabeth Eisterhold caught the Gamecocks trying to take the extra base, throwing to second to catch the runner trying to steal. Tiger starter Lauren Schmalz induced a pop out on the next pitch to escape the jam.
Schmalz (11-1) won the pitchers’ duel, striking out four while giving up four hits and one walk in the complete-game shutout. Chastain (2-1) took the loss, allowing three earned runs on eight hits and a walk while throwing her second complete game of the season. Junior third baseman Evan Childs also had a double for the Gamecocks.
The Gamecocks try to salvage the third game of the series against the Tigers on Sunday at 1 p.m. CDT at Jane B. Moore Field.
