The Auburn Tigers softball team made a strong statement over the weekend, securing a critical series win on the road against the Kentucky Wildcats. Behind an outstanding performance from ace pitcher Maddie Geurin, the Tigers claimed two out of three games in Lexington, reinforcing their push toward postseason contention.
Geurin was simply electric on the mound, showcasing dominance and composure beyond her years. In her two starts, she racked up a combined 18 strikeouts, allowing just two earned runs over 14 innings of work. Her pinpoint control and ability to keep Kentucky’s hitters off balance proved to be the difference-maker in the series.
“Maddie was lights out,” said Auburn head coach Mickey Dean. “She came in with a plan, executed it perfectly, and gave our team every chance to win. That’s the kind of performance you build a series around.”
The series began on Friday with a 4-1 Auburn victory. Geurin went the distance, scattering five hits and striking out 10. She received early run support, as the Tigers plated three runs in the second inning thanks to timely hits from senior infielder Bri Ellis and sophomore outfielder Rose Roach. Auburn’s defense was sharp throughout, turning two double plays and minimizing Kentucky’s scoring chances.
Saturday’s contest was a different story. Kentucky bounced back with a 7-3 win, fueled by a strong offensive showing in the middle innings. Auburn struggled to contain the Wildcats’ hitters, and a few defensive miscues opened the door for Kentucky to pull ahead. Despite a late rally attempt sparked by a two-run homer from freshman catcher Makayla Packer, the Tigers couldn’t close the gap.
However, the rubber match on Sunday belonged entirely to Geurin and the Tigers. Auburn delivered a commanding 5-0 shutout to clinch the series, with Geurin throwing a complete-game two-hitter. She struck out eight and walked none, earning her second win of the weekend and lowering her season ERA to a team-best 1.89.
“I just focused on hitting my spots and staying aggressive,” Geurin said postgame. “We knew how important this series was, and I wanted to do my part to help us get the win.”
Offensively, Auburn was led by junior third baseman Abbey Smith, who went 3-for-4 with two RBIs, including a clutch double in the fifth inning that broke the game open. First baseman Bri Ellis also contributed with her seventh home run of the season, a solo shot in the third inning that gave Auburn an early lead they would never relinquish.
With the series win, Auburn improves to 30-15 overall and 9-9 in SEC play. The Tigers are steadily climbing the conference standings and building momentum as the SEC Tournament approaches.
“This was a big series for us, not just in the standings but in terms of confidence,” Coach Dean said. “We showed resilience after Saturday’s loss and came out with energy and purpose. That’s what we’re going to need moving forward.”
The Tigers will return home to Jane B. Moore Field next weekend for a pivotal three-game series against LSU. With postseason implications on the line, Auburn hopes to carry the momentum from Lexington into another strong showin
