The Auburn Tigers traveled down to Baton Rouge, La., this weekend to take on the LSU Tigers.
LSU picked up a 5-0 win in game one and a 3-2 win in game two before Auburn won the series finale 7-5 to avoid the sweep and snap its 10-game losing streak in conference play.
“I just think they stayed in the series,” Auburn head coach Butch Thompson said of the offensive approach. “We did get a freshman starter on the mound against us today and got the starter out in the first. The first two starters got length and got as far as they wanted to. They had to make a change immediately in the ballgame. The bats and the approach were in a better spot today.”
Auburn was not able to get anything going at the plate in the series opener, recording just two hits.
Dylan Watts started for Auburn and pitched 5.2 innings, holding LSU to two runs on three hits. Auburn's bullpen was not stellar, either.
“They’ve been competitive starts, so there’s been a little bit of growth,” Thompson said. “(Dylan) had nine strikeouts and no walks against a good lineup, so I’m seeing growth. I thought there would be more runs on both sides, but Dylan absolutely steadied himself and got us almost to the back third (of the game).”
Auburn managed to score runs in game two but recorded only three hits and was walked off.
Tanner Bauman got the start for Auburn and had a quality day, allowing two runs off of five hits and striking five batters out in 4.1 innings of work. Cam Tilly pitched three scoreless relief innings in which he struck out seven batters.
“We had a chance tonight in this ballgame,” Thompson said. “I keep telling them ‘Keep pushing through and playing hard.’ We’ve been able to have success before, and we just have to come back out here tomorrow and try not to make excuses. We just have to keep at it.”
A five-run rally in the top of the first inning set Auburn up for success in game three.
Cade Belyeu and Chris Stanfield each had three hits. Belyeu, along with Caden Green, had three RBI.
Carson Myers got the start for Auburn and pitched four innings while allowing four runs off of five hits. Parker Carlson earned the save after a three-inning outing in which he allowed one base runner.
“We needed the win,” Carlson said. “We just keep staying in there and keep fighting. We’ve been saying ‘keep fighting’ since I’ve been here and that’s just the way this team rolls. We’re not going to roll over no matter how the season’s going. I’m incredibly proud of each and every one of our guys.”
Auburn is now 21-22 on the season and 3-18 in SEC play.
The Tigers host the Ole Miss Rebels at Plainsman Park next weekend. Game one is set for Friday at 6 p.m. CT, game two is set for Saturday at 7 p.m. CT and Game 3 is set for Sunday at 3 p.m. CT.
The television broadcast for game one can be found on SEC Network+, and games two and three can be found on SEC Network. The Auburn Sports Network broadcast can be heard locally on Wings 94.3 FM or streamed anywhere on the Auburn Athletics app.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email daniel.locke@1819news.com.
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