Softball drops double-header to Auburn Tuesday

Jump to game one box ||Jump to game two box FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas softball team pounded out eight hits in the nightcap but it wasn’t enough to lift the Lady Razorbacks as they dropped both games of a Southeastern Conference double-header to Auburn at Lady’Back Yard Tuesday. Arkansas fell to 12-30 on the year and 0-10 in the SEC with the 5-0 and 3-2 losses Tuesday. “Well, we’re all a little frustrated right now,” said Arkansas head coach Jamie Pinkterton. “We are working on being more disciplined at the plate but we still have too many strikeouts. We also struggled defensively tonight. We have to be more focused on defense.” The Lady’Backs managed just three hits in the first game but rallied for eight in game two. The Lady’Backs jumped on the board in the bottom of the first inning when freshman Jessica Bachkora walked, moved to second on the bunt off the bat of senior Rachel Lemaster. With two out, Samantha Buckner laced a shot to right plating Bachkora with the first run of the game. Arkansas held Auburn scoreless working their way out of a couple of jams until the fourth inning when the Tigers touched starter Miranda Dixon for three runs on two hits. Arkansas committed its third error of the game en route to five for the contest allowing three runs to score as Auburn grabbed the lead. The Lady’Backs didn’t quit however, adding to their total in the bottom of the sixth frame. Buckner opened with a leadoff single to right-centerfield and was lifted for Dara Clark who came in to pinch run. Clark moved to second on a ground ball out off the bat of Dana Huckabee and scored when freshman Teighynne Hulsey doubled down the leftfield line. It was the only extra base hit in the ballgame. Arkansas seemed to have a rally going and with Hulsey on second and two out, Kayla Johnson ripped a shot off the glove of the Tiger third baseman. The ball got into shallow left quickly and Hulsey was gunned down at the plate ending the Arkansas threat. The Lady’Backs again had runners on in the final frame after Lemaster singled to center followed by a single from sophomore Whitney Cloer with two outs. The Tigers made a quick pitching change and got a long fly ball to end the game. Freshman Miranda Dixon (3-12) went the distance in the first game allowing just four hits and three runs, two of which were earned. Holly Currie (7-9) picked up the win for Auburn while Anna Thompson notched her second save of the year. “Miranda threw a good game tonight,” said Pinkerton. The first game saw the Tigers’ offense start strong with six hits behind a booming three-run home run that won the game. In the third inning, Auburn got out to a 3-0 lead after Currie hit a three-run home run to left field. Lindsey Harrelson and Brittany Scott were the base runners. Harrrelson reached on an error and a Scott singled through the left side. Auburn added two more runs for a 5-0 lead in the sixth inning. Currie led off the inning with a walk followed by an RBI double by Sara Ghezzi on one out. On two outs Myesha Finney then singled through the left side scoring Ghezzi from second. Junior Katy Henry started in the circle for the Lady’Backs pitching five and two-thirds innings before she was relieved by Hulsey. Henry allowed five runs on five hits, walked one and struck out seven. Hulsey worked just over one inning giving up one hit. “Katy threw a good first game but made one mistake,” said Pinkerton. Anna Thompson went the distance allowing just three hits and striking out seven. Arkansas returns to action Thursday traveling to Stillwater, Okla., for the Border War between Oklahoma State and Tulsa. The Lady’Backs play Tulsa and Oklahoma at the Border War March 29 and return to Lady’Back Yard hosting Kentucky in a three-game SEC series. For more information about Arkansas softball, please log on to LADYBACKS.COM.