Softball . April 28, 2023

Gamecocks Unable to Complete Comeback Against No. 17 Auburn

Name: vs. Auburn
Start: 2023-04-29T14:00
End: 2023-04-29
Location: Columbia, S.C.

Game #1

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina softball team (32-16, 7-12) fell to 17th ranked Auburn (36-14, 12-7) 1-0 Friday night (Apr. 28), to open their three-game series at the Carolina Softball Stadium.

Prior to the game, Carolina honored its three senior managers, Olivia Gott, Kayla Hooks, and Crystal Bridge.

The Gamecocks battled Auburn pitcher Maddie Penta, who is a finalist for National Player of the Year. South Carolina put a runner on base in all but one inning, including having a runner in scoring position in multiple innings.

T-4 | 😱🤯 If this isn’t an #SCTop10 play, we don’t know what is! What a play by @brooke_blank4 and the flip to @emmasellerss.
💻📱 https://t.co/mqpPm9eTFi

🐔0 | 0 🐯 pic.twitter.com/EJzT75iWJ5

— Gamecock Softball (@GamecockSoftbll) April 28, 2023

The lone run of the game came on the on a two-out single in the fourth. Marissa Gonzalez made a spectacular play to limit Auburn to only one run, as she gunned down the trailing Tiger runner at the plate to end the inning.

M-4 | Auburn does get a run, but @marissa__12__ with the cannon to throw out the second runner at the plate on the tag by @_Desiderio3.
💻📱 https://t.co/mqpPm9eTFi

🐔0 | 1 🐯 pic.twitter.com/K932OiurQn

— Gamecock Softball (@GamecockSoftbll) April 28, 2023

Carolina put the winning run on base in the bottom of the seventh with one out, on back-to-back hits by Giulia Desiderio and Hannah Hawley. The Gamecocks were unable to move the runners from there as the next two outs were recorded to end the game.

Karsen Ochs suffered the loss, allowing one run on three hits in 2 1-3 innings of relief. The Carolina pitching staff combined to allow seven hits and three walks, while striking out six Auburn hitters.

Game two of the series will be tomorrow at 2 p.m. Prior to the game, South Carolina will honor its four seniors, Jordan Fabian, Natalie Morgan, Donnie Gobourne, and Rachel Vaughan.

For the latest on South Carolina Softball, visit GamecocksOnline.com or follow the team’s social media accounts on Twitter @GamecockSoftbll, Facebook /GamecockSoftball, and Instagram @GamecockSoftball.