Auburn softball lost to No. 19 LSU, 3-0, on April 30 at Tiger Park in Baton Rouge. Auburn held LSU to three runs, all scored in the second inning, but could not recover from the early gap.
The game was decided when LSU took advantage of walks and an Auburn error in the second inning. Combined with two hits, these mistakes allowed LSU to build a lead that Auburn was unable to overcome.
“We had a couple shots offensively,” said co-head coach Chris Malveaux. “LSU made a great play in center. We had a chance to score later in the game, and they made a play at the plate. Adjusting to what Paytn Monticelli was doing was pretty much the story of the game. We had a difficult time picking up what she was doing. She was sharp and throwing well.”
Auburn managed base runners throughout the contest and left six runners stranded, including one in scoring position during several innings. The team’s best opportunity came in the sixth inning when McKaela Walker hit a double and AnnaLea Adams nearly followed with a home run that was caught by Jalia Lassiter.
Charley Butler pitched three innings of relief for Auburn, allowing only one hit and striking out two batters as she tried to keep her team within reach of LSU’s lead. “Charley gave us a shot,” Malveaux added. “She did a great job of pounding the zone. We’re going to need that again at some point this weekend.”
Game two of the series is scheduled for 6 p.m., with coverage available on SEC Network+ and WEGL 91.1 FM radio.
