Feb. 18, 2018
AUBURN, Ala. - Junior right-handed pitcher Makayla Martin tossed the first no-hitter of her career and senior Kaylee Carlson notched a combined 1-hit effort to lead No. 13 Auburn to their ninth and 10th shutouts of the season on Sunday on the final day of the Tiger Invitational.
Auburn defeated Maryland in an 8-0 win in five innings and Georgia State 5-0 at Jane B. Moore Field to extend their spotless record to 13-0.
"I thought out defense played exceptionally well today," head coach Mickey Dean said. "It is nice to be able to go out there and attack as a pitcher and knowing your defense can make plays like that behind you."
Martin (6-0) got things started in the opening game vs. Maryland (2-7), pitching 5.0 innings of hitless ball and allowing just one walk on a 3-2 count. The San Diego, Calif. product struck out five batters over 59 pitches. The no-hitter is the 25th in program history and first since her teammate Carlson tossed a perfect game on Mar. 18, 2017.
Martin has still not allowed a run this season over 32 innings of play, extending her career-best mark.
The Tigers' bats were not quiet either against Maryland, racking up eight hits. Leading the way to an 8-0 victory for Auburn was senior Courtney Shea, who was 2-for-3 with a RBI, and sophomore Alyssa Rivera who was also 2-for-3 with a RBI and a run scored.
Victoria Draper was once again electric on the base paths, stealing two more bases, including home plate vs. Maryland, and added another vs. Georgia State. The Moulton, Ala. native already has 13 stolen bases on the season, a new career-high.
Maryland struggled to find consistency on the mound, going to three different pitchers in the game. Junior Sydney Golden (1-4) was charged with the loss.
The second game of the day followed suit as Auburn's pitchers took control once again as Carlson (6-0) and freshman Chardonnay Harris combined for a one-hit shutout over Georgia State (5-6).
Carlson got the start and the win, pitching 5.0 innings and allowing just one hit. The senior from Garden Grove, Calif. also tallied five strikeouts on the day and did not walk a single batter.
Harris relieved Carlson in the sixth and struck out three over 2.0 innings.
The Panthers' starting pitcher Kinsley Jennings (3-1) pitched 3.2 innings and surrendered all five of Auburn's runs on six hits. She was charged with her first loss on the season.
Auburn recored five runs on seven hits led by sophomore Tannon Snow, who went 2-for-3 with one RBI.
Up next for the Tigers is a visit to the west coast for a midweek game with CSUN on Wednesday, Feb. 21st before facing Wisconsin, Notre Dame, Oregon State, San Jose State and Long Beach State as part of the Mary Nutter Classic in Cathedral City, Calif. Feb. 22-24.