OKLAHOMA CITY – With Wednesday night’s game being the winner takes all match up of the Women’s College World Series, the Auburn Tigers gave it their all but came up short of winning the national championship with Oklahoma taking their third title with a score of 2-1.
Tigers head coach Clint Myers is a familiar face in the championship game having coached his alma mater, Arizona State, to two World Series titles. When he took over the Auburn team three years ago, Myers guaranteed his players that they, too, would see the finals. Myers also promised his team they would take home the national championship title, but as of this season, his promise remains unfulfilled.
Oklahoma scored early in the game, in the bottom of the first, bringing in a run off of an Emily Carosone error from a single hit by Shay Knighten. The second baseman, Carosone, had saved the previous night’s game with a grand slam in the bottom of the eighth inning. Caleigh Clifton crossed home plate in the first score of the night.
In the same inning, Knighten scored on an infield single RBI by Fale Aviu bring the score to 2-0.
After the scoring in the first inning, Auburn pitcher Makayla Martin, a freshman, threw almost flawlessly allowing no earned runs. While the Tigers have a roster of five steady pitchers, the freshman may be their standout in the season to come.
The top of the third inning saw Auburn load the bases with no outs giving fans hope for another Carosone grand slam as she came up to the plate. Oklahoma’s ace pitcher, Paige Parker, struck out Carosone. The Tigers remained scoreless after Oklahoma turned a double play.
The top of the fourth inning saw Jade Rhodes’ homer for Auburn bringing the score to 2-1. However, the Rhodes’ hit remained the only score for the Tigers who are heading home today from Oklahoma City.
The team’s fans are encouraged to join in the welcome home celebration at Jane B. Moore Field at 5:30 p.m. today.
Don’t give up on these Tigers, as they have already stated their determination to head back to the World Series next year.
