March 1, 2017 WILSON/DEMARINI CLASSIC
AUBURN, Ala. ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃƒÆ'¢'¬" The No. 2/3 Auburn softball team is set to wrap up its home non-conference tournament slate when it hosts the Wilson/DeMarini Classic, March 3-5, at Jane B. Moore Field. The Tigers will play Liberty before the official start to the tournament, Thursday at 6 p.m.
Auburn is coming off a successful 5-1 weekend that featured five consecutive shutout victories. The streak marks the second time the Tigers have recorded five or more straight shutouts under head coach Clint Myers (March 5-9, 2016) and third ever in program history (March 2-20, 2004).
In the circle, Kaylee Carlson and Makayla Martin posted 0.00 and 0.35 ERAs, respectively in 33 innings pitched. The duo combined for 27 strikeouts and gave up only two extra-base hits.
At the plate, four players boasted battling clips of .400 or better on the weekend. Haley Fagan (.500) led the way with a team-high eight hits and five runs. Alyssa Rivera (.444) blasted two extra-base hits, including her first career home run, while Casey McCrackin (.417) and Morgan Podany (.400) rounded out the list.
Following the Wilson/DeMarini Classic, Auburn hosts Alabama State (March 8) before opening SEC play against LSU (March 10-12) at Jane B. Moore Field.
Promotions
Thursday, March 2 ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃƒÆ'¢'¬" National Dr. Seuss Day: Come dressed as your favorite Dr. Seuss character for a chance to win prizes. Green eggs and ham will be serves while supplies last.
Friday, March 3 ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃƒÆ'¢'¬" Postgame autographs in left field
Saturday, March 4 ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃƒÆ'¢'¬" Keychain giveaway for first 500 fans through the gate
Sunday, March 5 ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃƒÆ'¢'¬" National Cheese Curl Day: Cheese curl giveaway courtesy of Golden Flake. Sunday Bingo presented by Krispy Kreme. Postgame photos with the team.
All weekend ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃƒÆ'¢'¬" Strike Out Hunger/Support Our Troops. Bring a food donation to any home game and receive a $1 beverage coupon toward the concession stands for that game only.
Player to Watch: Casey McCrackin
Sophomore infielder Casey McCrackin is off to a solid start in her second year in an Auburn uniform. She's currently boasting a .313 batting average with five RBI in eight games started. Just last weekend, McCrackin hit .417 with three runs scored and launched her second career home run. The Cantontment, Fla. native touted a .533 on-base percentage and a .667 slugging clip in her last six games played.
An Auburn Win WouldÃÆ'¢Ãƒ¢'¬¦
A win by Auburn would give the Tigers their 15th win of the season in 17 games. That mark would be the third time in program history that Auburn has accumulated 15 wins in 17 games (2009, 2012). In 2011, 2015 and 2016 the Tigers reached 15 wins in 16 tilts.
Three-Plus
As a team, the Tigers have benefited greatly from scoring three or more runs in a game this season. So far, Auburn is 14-0 when eclipsing the three-run plateau, including a perfect 7-0 when amassing seven or more runs on the scoreboard.
Leadoff and Loaded
As a team, Auburn has been the most dangerous when leading off an inning and when the bases are loaded. The Tigers boast a .440 batting clip when leading off an inning and a .357 average when the bases are full of Auburn players. The Tigers have racked up a leadoff hit 44 times thus far in 2017.
On This DateÃÆ'¢Ãƒ¢'¬¦
On March 2, 2008, senior Jorja Bell hit a three-run home run and drove in four to highlight Auburn's 8-0 win over Syracuse in the finale of the NFCA Leadoff Classic. Brittany Day tossed a complete-game shutout, allowing only four hits and striking out seven to earn the win.