Blue Raiders fall 4-0 to Auburn

AUBURN, Ala. - Sophomore Lindsey Vander Lugt tied her career best with nine strikeouts as Middle Tennessee (0-7, 0-0) dropped a 4-0 decision to the Auburn Tigers (13-1) in their first game at the War Eagle Invitational on Friday evening.

The Blue Raiders were looking to bounce back from a tough 12-5 loss to the Memphis on Tuesday. Martha Davis hit two home runs in both games against the Tigers at Blue Raider Field.

Vander Lugt (0-4) picked up the loss, despite providing one of the finest performances of her career. The Olympia, Wash., native gave up two earned runs and scattered seven hits, but it was her ability to finish off batters that was the story of the night for Middle Tennessee.

The lefty tied her personal best by striking out an impressive nine batters in the complete game outing, which also ranks in the top ten for a single game in school history.

Anna Thompson (8-1) also had a great performance for the Tigers in the win, giving up one hit and striking out 18 in the complete game shutout.

Auburn took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Shortstop Kyndall White led off with a walk before advancing to third a throwing error by Blue Raider pitcher Vander Lugt. The Tigers scored on a double steal two batters later and added another run when Lauren Guzman hit a RBI single to short center field.

Vander Lugt highlighted her performance by striking out five of six batters, including the entire side in the fourth inning, over one stretch of the game.

The home team added two more runs in the sixth inning. Guzman was again provider, singling home Aurora Salter with a shot through the left side before Tatiana Fernandez scored on another Tiger double steal with runners on the corners.

Middle Tennessee returns to action at the War Eagle Invitational against the Winthrop Lady Eagles. Opening pitch is set for 10 a.m.

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