Hot Bats Power Panthers over No. 21 Auburn at NFCA Classic

Saturday, February 11

Clearwater, FL

11 AM

Pitt

Auburn

Hot Bats Power Panthers over No. 21 Auburn at NFCA Classic

2/11/2023 8:06:00 PM | Softball

Box Score Box Score

Panthers score 8 Runs on 11 Hits En Route to 8-7 Victory Over Tigers

CLEARWATER, Fla. – Pitt improved to 2-1 on the season after scoring seven runs in the second inning, as the Panthers held off No. 21 Auburn for an 8-7 victory at the Eddie C. Moore Complex during the NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic Saturday afternoon.

Sophomore transfer Adriana Romano made her first collegiate start in the circle, holding the Tigers hitless through two innings before giving up a bunt single in the top of the third inning. Romano finished the day with four runs, three earned runs, on three hits, with a walk, and a strikeout, over 2.1 innings pitched.

Graduate student Sarah Seamans led the Panthers attack for the second straight day by going 3-for-4 with a run and a run scored while sophomore Rachael Fuerst went 2-for-3 with an RBI.

The Panthers were the first to strike as Cami Compson (0-for-2, SF) moved Kat Rodriguez (1-for-2, 2B, 2 R, 3 RBI) and Seamans into scoring position with a sacrifice fly to right field. Rodriguez took advantage of a passed ball to give Pitt a 1-0 lead.

Auburn scored two runs in the top of the second inning before Kayla Lane (1-for-3, 2B) sparked the seven-run rally for the Panthers with a leadoff double to right field. Fuerst drove Lane home with an RBI single, followed by two straight singles from Amanda "Tuta" Ramirez (1-for1) and Ana Hernandez (1-for-2, R) to load the bases. Rodriguez launched a bases-clearing double to give the Panthers a 5-2 lead with no outs in the bottom of the second. Rodriguez eventually scored on a single from Bailey Drapola while Seamans capped off the rally, scoring on the throw after Drapola stole second base.

The Tigers did not give up as they continued to decrease their run deficit with consistent scoring over the next three frames. Efficient pitching from redshirt sophomore Dani Drogemuller kept Auburn from taking the lead, as Drogemuller pitched 4.0 shutout innings in relief with no hits and four strikeouts.

Shortstop Nelia Peralta led Auburn with going 2-for-5 with a run and RBI, while first baseman Bri Ellis went 1-for-2 with two RBI and a walk.

UP NEXT
The Panthers second scheduled game against No. 20 Kentucky was canceled due to inclement weather. Pitt will close out their opening weekend at the NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic Tournament against Fordham, Sunday at 10 a.m. All games are available to watch for free on the GameChanger app.