Georgia softball evens series, defeats Auburn 10-5

The No. 18 Georgia softball team beat Auburn 10-5 on Saturday to tie the series with a total of 14 hits throughout the night. Georgia moves to 27-14 overall and 5-11 in SEC play.

The Bulldogs started the top of the first inning with two walks. The bases were loaded after Jadyn Goodwin singled to right field, advancing Tyler Ellison and Lyndi Rae Davis. Goodwin tallied a total of three hits for the night, including a home run, scored three times, and collected two RBIs. Sarah Gordon drove in the first run for the Bulldogs with a single to right field.

In the third inning, Goodwin reached on a fielding error, allowing her to steal second base and run home on a hit by Marisa Miller. The Bulldogs went into the fourth inning down 4-2 to the Tigers after Auburn scored two in the third inning.

The Bulldogs scored two runs on a two-out rally in the top of the fourth. Dallis Goodnight got the team going with a single off of a bunt to the pitcher. Davis singled, knocking Goodnight home. Goodwin and Gordon also singled after, bringing the score to a tie. Goodnight, Goodwin, and Gordon combined for nine of Georgia’s 14 hits. Seven of Georgia’s starting nine had at least a hit in the game.

Georgia recorded three more runs in the sixth with RBIs from Gordon and Emily Digby. This extended their lead to 7-5 going into the last inning. Emma Castorri’s first career triple in the top of the seventh extended Georgia’s lead to 8-5. Goodwin followed with a two-run homer to stretch the late advantage to 10-5.

Lilli Backes started the game and pitched three innings, giving up three earned runs and recording two strikeouts. Destin Howard followed with an inning and two-thirds of work, while Rachel Gibson tossed a third of an inning. Gibson was credited with the win as Georgia took the lead in the top of the sixth. Randi Roelling secured her third save of the season, closing out the final two innings without allowing a run and surrendering just one hit, while striking out three.

Georgia and Auburn will battle for the series win on Sunday at 2 p.m. ET, with live coverage streaming on SEC Network+.