Clemson scored five runs in the fifth inning to fuel a 7-0 victory against Auburn at McWhorter Stadium in an NCAA Regional contest. Losing the game puts Auburn in the losers bracket of the regional.

Auburn still has a chance to advance to the regional final if they win their game Saturday against the winner of the Cal State Fullerton versus UNC Greensboro. If Auburn defeats their opponent, they’ll get a rematch against Clemson. A loss in the elimination games would end Auburn’s season.

McKenzie Clark led off the third inning with a deep home run off Auburn hurler Maddie Penta. Both teams were quiet offensively until Clemson came to the plate in the fifth. Valerie Cagle blasted a two-run homer.

Reedy Davenport and Alia Logoleo had RBI singles in the fifth frame that saw Clemson score five runs. Auburn struggled to get traction at the plate against Clemson pitcher Valerie Cagle all game.

Cagle allowed a hit against Lindsey Garcia, and Aubrie Lisenby reached on an error in the second inning. Garcia’s single was Auburn’s first and last hit of the game. Lisenby was Auburn’s third baserunner. Cagle made sure Auburn didn’t have another runner.

Cagle retired 14 consecutive Auburn hitters. She finished the complete game one-hit shutout with four strikeouts and one walk over seven innings.

SEC Pitcher of the Year Penta didn’t have her best outing. She left the contest after pitching 4 1/3 innings. She allowed five runs on six hits and two homers. Penta had four strikeouts. Annabelle Widra gave up two runs on four hits and 1 1/3 innings.

Auburn will have to rest up and hope their pitching holds up when they return at 5 pm CT against Cal State Fullerton or UNCG. Auburn beat Cal State Friday by a 12-2 score, with Bri Ellis leading the way with a grand slam.

Nubyjas Wilborn covers Auburn for Alabama Media Group.