AUBURN – A solo home run by catcher Ike Irish in the bottom of the second inning got Auburn's offense going in its first midweek game of the season.
The No. 14 Auburn Tigers beat the UAB Blazers 7-2 at home inside Plainsman Park on Tuesday night.
"It was just a unique game tonight," Auburn head coach Butch Thompson said. "We're still just trying to play the game and learn some things. We've struck out a little bit more. I think the first three arms they (UAB) threw and the last pitcher that they threw were the four best arms we've seen in these four games and we saw them all in one night."
Junior right-hander Conner McBride got the start in his first appearance for the Tigers. In 3.2 innings of action, McBride allowed one run off of two hits and walked two batters while striking out four.
UAB took the lead in the top of the second inning when right fielder Reed Latimer grounded out to second which allowed designated hitter Brayton Brown to score.
Auburn answered back quickly with a two-run inning in the bottom of the second which was sparked by the home run from Irish.
The Tigers added on one run in the bottom of the third and sixth innings, but a three-run rally in the seventh inning put the game away for Auburn.
UAB put some runners on base and ended up scoring an additional run in the top of the ninth inning, but the Blazers were not able to keep the ninth-inning rally going.
Freshman left-hander Griffin Graves made his first appearance on Tuesday night and earned the win. In two innings of work, Graves allowed only one hit and struck out two batters.
"The adrenaline was pretty crazy," Graves said. "I knew I was walking on a field in front of a great fanbase and great people. I knew in those pressure moments I had the best defense behind me."
Auburn is now 4-0 on the season. UAB is 2-2.
Auburn will compete in the Jax College Baseball Classic this weekend. The Tigers will take on the No. 18 Iowa Hawkeyes on Friday, the Wichita State Shockers on Saturday and the No. 10 Virginia Cavaliers on Sunday.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email daniel.locke@1819news.com.
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