Knoxville, Tenn. — No. 4 Tennessee secured its fifth SEC series victory of the season with a 6-4 win over Auburn on Friday night at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium.
A five-run second inning powered the Lady Vols (36-9, 11-6 SEC) to their second straight win over the Tigers. Saviya Morgan jump-started the rally with an RBI triple before McKenna Gibson brought in another run with a groundout. Sophia Nugent capped the frame with a three-run homer — her second long ball in as many games and 11th of the season.
Auburn (27-19, 4-16 SEC) struck first with a solo home run in the top of the first, but Tennessee answered immediately. Laura Mealer delivered an RBI single to left in the bottom half to tie the game.
The Tigers threatened again in the fourth and fifth innings, but Tennessee’s bullpen held firm. Junior right-hander Karlyn Pickens entered in the fifth and shut the door, earning her first save of the season. After allowing a leadoff single in the seventh that brought the tying run to the plate, Pickens retired the next three batters to seal the win.
IN THE CIRCLE
Sage Mardjetko (9-2) picked up the win, striking out eight over four innings while allowing four runs on five hits. She opened strong, recording her first five outs via strikeout.
Pickens took over in the fifth and delivered a dominant three-inning save, striking out six and allowing just two hits. She lowered her season ERA to 0.97.
CHECK THE STATS
Taylor Pannell finished 1-for-2 with a triple, two runs scored and two walks. The triple was the third of her career and second of the season. She now has 26 extra-base hits on the year.
Nugent’s home run marked her 11th of the season and her second in as many games.
DUE UP
Tennessee and Auburn will wrap up the series Saturday. First pitch is set for 2 p.m. ET on SEC Network+.
