KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – With the game tied in the bottom of the seventh, Taylor Pannell crushed a two-run walk-off home run to center field, lifting No. 4 Tennessee to a 4-2 victory over Auburn on Thursday night at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium.
The Lady Vols (35-9, 10-6 SEC) rallied late to take the series opener, scoring all four of their runs in the final two innings.
After five scoreless frames, Auburn (27-18, 4-15 SEC) broke through in the top of the sixth, plating a pair of runs to take a 2-0 lead. Tennessee answered quickly in the home half, as Sophia Nugent and Gabby Leach each launched solo home runs to tie the game.
Karlyn Pickens kept the momentum going with a 1-2-3 top of the seventh, giving Tennessee a chance to win it with the top of the order coming up.
Kinsey Fiedler led off the bottom half with a walk, setting the stage for Pannell, who belted her 14th home run of the season — a no-doubter that sealed the comeback win.
IN THE CIRCLE
Pickens went the distance for her 18th win of the season, allowing just two runs on four hits over seven innings. The junior right-hander struck out six, walked one, and recorded five 1-2-3 innings.
CHECK THE STATS
Pickens earned her 15th complete game of the season, tying her career high set last season.
Pannell hit her 14th home run of the year, driving in her 50th and 51st RBIs. She is currently on pace to reach the top 10 in both categories in the Lady Vols’ single-season record book.
Tennessee is now 25-9 all-time at home against Auburn.
DUE UP
Tennessee and Auburn return to action Friday night for Game 2 of the series. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET on SEC Network+.
