University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Auburn
Tar Heel Comeback Bid Falls Short
February 7, 2009 | Softball
Feb. 7, 2009
MIAMI - The No. 18 Tar Heels pushed across five runs in the top of the seventh against Auburn Saturday night at the FIU Combat Classic but it would not be enough as the Tigers held on for the 6-5 win. Breanna Brown and Dani Manko each tallied a pair of hits in the setback as Carolina fell to 1-2 on the season. Carolina takes on Jacksonville in the nightcap.
Auburn got to starter Lisa Norris early as the Tigers were able to tally a pair of runs in both the first and second innings. With a 4-0 cushion the Tigers had room for error but did not provide the Tar Heels with an opening to take advantage. The Tar Heels were able to pick up a pair of hits in the top of third as Carolina attempted to cut into the deficit with a pair of runners in scoring position but a strikeout would end the threat and keep the momentum on the side of the Tigers.
Single runs in the fourth and fifth gave Auburn a commanding lead at 6-0. A pitching change by the Tigers in the top of the seventh opened the door for the Tar Heels as Auburn brought on Holly Ragsdale. The switch from a left-hander to a right-hander was just what the Tar Heels needed to see as Carolina pounded out three consecutive singles. Alyssa Francona got things started by beating out a ball in hole between shortstop and third base before Dani Manko singled up the middle. Breanna Brown would drive in Carolina's first run with a single through the right side that plated Francona and moved runners to second and third with nobody out.
An infield pop out put one out on the board before Danielle Spaulding continued her hot hitting by slicing a single down the right field to score both Manko and Brown and pull Carolina within three runs at 6-3. Auburn then brought on Anna Thompson to attempt to shut the door on the Tar Heel rally. Thompson was unable to get the first batter she faced as Brittany McKinney singled through the left side moving pinch runner Kelsey Green to second in the process. Designated player Emily Troup was hit by a pitch loading the bases for freshman Constance Orr. The Charlotte, N.C., native hit a sharp grounder to short for a fielder's choice as she was able to beat out the throw from second. Green was able to score on the play cutting the Tar Heel deficit to just two (6-4). Brittany Robinson would keep the rally alive with a double down the left field line that scored Brittany McKinney and put runners on second and third with two down. Francona would go down on strikes dropping Carolina to 1-2 on the season before the nightcap against Jacksonville.
