AUBURN, Ala. (EETV) - On Tuesday evening, after sweeping Wright State over the weekend, the Auburn Tigers looked to keep their winning streak alive as they faced the Samford Bulldogs in a midweek matchup.
Auburn got off to a rocky start as Samford quickly placed runners on second and third. Despite the Tigers’ less-than-ideal start, they managed to escape the inning, giving up only two runs. However, Auburn’s offense didn’t manage to place any runners on base in the bottom of the inning.
The second inning began rocky again, but Auburn quickly turned things around. Pitcher Andreas Alvarez struck out two batters and caught a runner stealing second, allowing the Tigers to exit the top of the inning without giving up any runs. Auburn carried this momentum into the bottom half. Cooper McMurray and Chris Rembert both hit home runs, and Auburn scored a total of five runs. Exiting the inning comfortably, the Tigers gained a 5-2 lead.
The third inning was another successful one for Auburn, beginning by holding Samford scoreless. Continuing the home run streak, Bub Terrell hit his third home run of the season, good for two runs as it sent Deric Fabian home. Stretching their lead, the Tigers exited the inning up 7-2.
Auburn struggled in the top of the fourth, allowing Samford to tie the game. The Tigers gave up five runs, forcing them to turn to the bullpen twice in a single inning. Parker Carlson entered the game and successfully struck out the Bulldogs’ final batter of the inning. Looking to regain the lead in the bottom half, Eric Snow hit his first home run of the season—Auburn’s fourth of the game—putting the Tigers back on top. They exited the inning leading 8-7.
The top of the fifth resulted in a scoreless appearance from Samford. In the bottom of the inning, the Tigers pulled away with an even greater lead. After allowing Chase Fralick to score a run, Samford turned to its bullpen for a pitching change. However, Auburn’s momentum couldn’t be stopped. True teamwork resulted in RBIs from Snow and Ike Irish, contributing to three more runs. This offensive burst not only maintained but stretched Auburn’s lead to an impressive 12-7.
Yet again, Auburn’s defense denied Samford any runs in the top of the sixth inning. In the bottom half, five Tigers reached base due to struggles from Samford’s pitching staff. This resulted in a run from Fabian, putting Auburn up 13-7.
Both teams scored in the seventh inning, resulting in a 15-8 score with Auburn maintaining its lead. Featuring two hits, Samford scored one run. Auburn responded with a run off a wild pitch while Fabian was up to bat, allowing Cade Belyeu to score. Additionally, McMurray crossed home plate off a sacrifice out from Fabian.
Scoreless eighth and ninth innings secured an Auburn victory, with a final score of 15-8. Auburn’s next game will be Friday at 3 p.m. at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, against Ohio State.
