The bottom of the lineup came through in a big way for the Auburn Montgomery softball team against 15th-ranked Spring Hill.

Having dropped an 8-2 decision in Game 1 of today’s doubleheader, the seventh-ranked Warhawks needed a win in the nightcap to remain a half-game ahead of the Badgers in the Southern States Athletic Conference West Division.

With the game tied at two entering the seventh, No. 7 hitter Lauren Shaw led off with a double to right-center. Ainsley Faulk then executed a perfect sacrifice bunt to move pinch-runner Katie Cornelius over to second, and Jennifer Jenkins lifted a game-winning sacrifice fly to left field to clinch the crucial victory.

The Warhawks conclude the regular season at 39-8 (17-7 SSAC). Spring Hill is 38-10 (16-7 SSAC) with two games left to play before the SSAC tournament.

Playing in a steady rain, AUM pitchers struggled with their command in Game 1, throwing five wild pitches and issuing eight walks.

Auburn Montgomery senior Eran Franks was selected the ninth recipient of the Army ROTC Athletic Achievement Award for the 2012-13 school year on Wednesday, for his efforts both on and off the baseball field.

Criteria for the Army ROTC Athletic Achievement Award includes being certified for eligibility and involved in participation of a varsity sport; performance on the field or court during the previous two weeks; contributions to the team's success through their individual leadership skills, their commitment to teamwork, their extra effort during practice and their demonstration of sportsmanship; and performance off the field of play, including academic success, character and exemplary community outreach.

During the two weeks of his nomination, Franks helped the Warhawks to a 5-1 mark, with all six games counting toward the Southern States Athletic Conference standings.

One night after dropping a 2-1 contest, the Auburn Montgomery baseball team outscored Brewton-Parker 26-5 and swept Saturday’s doubleheader at Barons Field.

AUM (27-16-1, 13-11 SSAC) took the opener 10-1, while taking the rubber game 16-4 in eighth innings. With the loss, the Barons fell to 22-16 overall and 12-9 in league play.

“Today our guys really stepped up when they had their backs against the wall,” head coach Q.V. Lowe said. “They could have come to the park today and caved in, especially being on the road, but they showed their true toughness. I can’t say enough about the way Daniel (Farrar) came in and threw today. This is the second week that he has come in and done an outstanding job for us. We had good approaches at the plate and really hit the ball well as a team.”

The Warhawks finished the doubleheader with 26 hits, led by Branden Kelley’s five in the twin bill. Hayden Hillyer, Josh Thompson and Chad Mansmann finished with four hits each.