Christian Herberholz – Page 2 – Syndication Server

Auburn baseball clinches series at South Carolina with huge Saturday win

For the second straight game, Auburn used a big, early lead to cruise to victory.

Auburn baseball found themselves on the outside looking in of D1Baseball’s Field of 64 projections this week and continued to fall in the RPI ahead of a challenging series against the RPI’s top team in South Carolina.

The Tigers apparently used that as motivation, as they followed up Friday’s performance by scoring nine more runs on Saturday to take down South Carolina, 9-5, to clinch the series at Founders Park in Columbia.

For the second game in a row, Auburn jumped out to a comfortable lead in the first inning, which ended up paying off in the late innings. [autotag]Cole Foster[/autotag] and [autotag]Kason Howell[/autotag] each scored two runs with singles in the first inning to put Auburn ahead, 4-0, before the Gamecocks stepped to the plate.

“Two days in a row we scored in the first inning and really set a tone,” head coach [autotag]Butch Thompson[/autotag] said. “It got us into the ballgame, and we did even more today in the first. You knew they’d make a rally, so we had to keep playing.”

Auburn tacked on two more runs in the 2nd inning on solo home runs by [autotag]Nate Larue[/autotag] and [autotag]Bobby Peirce[/autotag] to extend the Tigers’ lead to 6-0. South Carolina got on the board in the bottom half of the inning on a single by Jonathan French.

Auburn’s hottest hitter, [autotag]Cooper McMurray[/autotag], continued his stroke of luck by smacking two more home runs in the game. His first home run of the game was a two-run shot to center field and bumped Auburn’s lead to 8-1. He would score Auburn’s final run of the game in the top of the 9th inning with a solo home run.

McMurray has now hit seven home runs in seven straight games, and has now recorded three multi-home run games of the season.

“To open the day with a four-spot in the first is always big,” McMurray said Saturday. “Our pitching staff has come out and been really good for us and making it easy on the offense. On that side of the ball, we think we can score however many runs at any given time. It’s just about playing a full game of clean baseball.”

The Gamecocks began a rally in the middle innings, led by Cole Messina. Messina picked up four RBI on a 5th inning double and a two-run home run home run in the 7th inning. The rally would not be enough for South Carolina to earn the comeback, as they would fall to Auburn for the second straight game.

Auburn’s series win over South Carolina is the first time that the Gamecocks have dropped a series at home. Heading into the series, South Carolina had a 24-1 record at home, and have since dropped two straight.

“Players are allowed to get better, and this is a good step forward for us this weekend, but we have to keep playing,” Thompson said.

Pitching was also valuable in Saturday’s win. [autotag]Christian Herberholz[/autotag], [autotag]Chase Isbell[/autotag], and [autotag]Konnor Copeland[/autotag] combined to strike out 11 batters and allowing just six hits.

Game three of the series between Auburn and South Carolina is set for 2 p.m. CT on Sunday. The game will be broadcasted on SEC Network+ as well as the Auburn Sports Network.

BIG boost to the resume! 🗃️#WarEagle pic.twitter.com/2JoR5AIPJb

— Auburn Baseball (@AuburnBaseball) April 29, 2023

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbyzb4ahnasj2m3 player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=691343809]

Butch Thompson provides key update of Joseph Gonzalez’s injury status

Auburn’s projected ace for the 2023 season has not pitched since the Tiger’s win over Indiana on Feb. 18.

Auburn baseball has been without its’ most crucial arm for over two months.

By being last season’s only returning weekend starter, [autotag]Joseph Gonzalez[/autotag] was expected to be Auburn’s ace for the weekend rotation in 2023. However, he has only made one start this season, which resulted in a 6-1 win by the Tigers over Indiana on Feb. 18.

Since then, he has battled shoulder issues that have kept him from pitching any further this season. Wednesday, head coach [autotag]Butch Thompson[/autotag] provided an update that Auburn fans were hoping not to hear.

After showing signs of progress, Gonzalez’s shoulder soreness has returned. With just four weekend series’ remaining, Thompson feels that it is important to focus on getting Gonzalez back to 100% playing shape, meaning that Gonzalez is expected to be shut down for the remainder of the season.

“For (Gonzalez) it was the last 10 percent,” Thompson said this week of Gonzalez. “It was kind of a carbon copy of ramping him up the first time. Trying to get him ready and doing it a second time. I don’t see how he can get back in the timeframe of the regular season. We’ll get Joseph back to the docs.”

Gonzalez has been working with the acclaimed Dr. James Andrews in an effort to get back into his form. Thompson also shares that the inability to play has been challenging for Gonzalez mentally.

“I think (Gonzalez) knows what he means to the ballclub. You have to continue to realize how much these guys love to play the game,” Thompson said. Working on this since opening day, I think it’s been hard on him. The first time he was frustrated. The second time he was kind of broken from a spirit standpoint.”

The Tigers prepare for a battle this weekend at No. 3 South Carolina. Thompson has revealed that [autotag]Tommy Vail[/autotag] will get the nod on Friday night, while [autotag]Christian Herberholz[/autotag] will pitch on Saturday. Sunday’s starter will be announced later in the series.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbyzb4ahnasj2m3 player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=691343809]

Vail’s gem leads Auburn to series-opening win over Mississippi State

The southpaw struck out a season-high 10 batters in Auburn’s 2-1 win over Mississippi State on Friday.

The Auburn Tigers entered this weekend’s series with Mississippi State needing a series win to snap a three-series losing streak. In order to do that, top-notch would be required.

[autotag]Tommy Vail[/autotag] answered the call as he turned in a scoreless start while recording a season-high in strikeouts.

Vail turned in 5.0 innings of three-hit baseball. He would also refuse to allow a run while striking out 10 batters in Auburn’s 2-1 win over Mississippi State on Friday at Plainsman Park.

“What’s important is having the same spirit, the same attitude, and just getting ready to get another win,” Vail said Friday. “Early in the game, I’m expecting them to be pretty patient. I knew I could attack in the zone early and then expand later on.”

Head coach [autotag]Butch Thompson[/autotag] says that if Auburn’s pitching is that good every game, his squad will remain competitive throughout the second half of the SEC slate.

“We’re pitching a little better. It started last weekend,” Thompson said after Friday’s win. “This gives us a chance. If we can pitch competitively, that defense is ready to play. We pitched with better sequences and took the sting out of the swing.”

Auburn got on the board first in the low-scoring affair. After failing to record a hit and having just two baserunners through the first four innings, Auburn’s [autotag]Cooper McMurray[/autotag] crushed a 398-foot solo home run to right field to give Auburn the 1-0 lead.

The Bulldogs would tie the game in the bottom of the 7th inning on an infield single by leadoff batter David Mershon that scored Amani Larry from 3rd base.

Auburn’s final blow came in the bottom of the 8th inning when [autotag]Bobby Peirce[/autotag] hit a sacrifice fly to score [autotag]Chris Stanfield[/autotag] to put Auburn ahead, 2-1.

“I’m just happy to get the win,” Stanfield said of the play. “I saw it go up in the air and saw his back to me. I said, ‘Let me take a chance’ and it ended up working out. I was just trying to take the game into my own hands. It was a close game, and I knew Bobby was coming. I had full trust that Bobby would get the job done. I was just happy to be a part of it.”

[autotag]Will Cannon[/autotag] entered the game and slammed the door for the Tigers, as he faced the minimum to solidify the win and earn his 4th save of the year. [autotag]Tanner Bauman[/autotag] is credited with the win on the mound by tossing 1.1 innings of no-hit baseball in relief.

Game two between the Tigers and Bulldogs is set for Saturday afternoon at 2 P.M. CT and can be seen on SEC Network+. [autotag]Christian Herberholz[/autotag] (0-3, 5.74) will toe the rubber for Auburn on Saturday, battling Mississippi State’s Colby Holcombe (2-2, 5.32).

Auburn’s bats go quiet in series loss to Alabama

The Tigers fell 6-1 to Alabama to drop the series.

Auburn’s offense was unable to get going in the decisive game three against Alabama as the Tigers fell 6-1 Sunday in Tuscaloosa.

The Tigers managed six hits and five walks but went 1-for-14 with runners in scoring position as they failed to take advantage of their scoring opportunities.

“A couple double plays were back-breaking in the game, momentum changers,” Auburn head coach [autotag]Butch Thompson[/autotag] said. “They pitched well enough to win. We moderately pitched better but we’ve got to continue to grow.”

Auburn fell to 20-15-1 overall and 5-10 in SEC play with the loss and have now lost their last three conference series.

“You’re playing your rival,” Thompson said. “You’ve got to be able to wear it. If you’re not where you want to be, you’ve got to keep fighting and keep going, take care of each other, keep practicing hard until we can grow, get better and be more competitive in this league.”

Auburn opened the scoring in the top of the fourth when [autotag]Chris Stanfield[/autotag] drew a two-out walk, stole second, and came around to score on a [autotag]Nate LaRue[/autotag] single.

Auburn starter [autotag]Christian Herberholz[/autotag] cruised through the first four innings before running into trouble in the fifth. He let the first two batters reach and was pulled for [autotag]Chase Isbell[/autotag], who was unable to stop the rally.

He hit the first batter to load the bases and walked in the game-tying run before surrendering a two-RBI single that gave the Crimson Tide a 3-1 lead.

They stretched it out to a 4-1 lead in the seventh inning when Drew Williamson stole home with two outs. They added two more runs in the eighth inning with a two-out double and triple to put the game away.

Auburn will return to action Tuesday when they take on Samford. The game is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT and will be on the SEC Network.

[mm-video type=video id=01gx4dmygqafba5m81bb playlist_id=01eqbyzb4ahnasj2m3 player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gx4dmygqafba5m81bb/01gx4dmygqafba5m81bb-aa6c10e5a82b65b2debe916e714caf99.jpg]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow JD on Twitter @jdmccarthy15.

Auburn drops game against UAB

It is Auburn’s first loss against a midweek opponent this season.

Auburn battled back to take the lead after falling behind 4-0 but was unable to hold on as UAB picked up the 6-5 win in walk-off fashion at Regions Field.

“I just wanted them to fight,” head coach [autotag]Butch Thompson[/autotag] said. “It was a good game back and forth. We got the bases loaded in the eighth, and then they loaded them in the bottom of the ninth and get the run to beat us. I just wanted our guys to fight. All of the other stuff will kind of work its way out throughout a ballgame. I liked the fight regardless of the outcome tonight.”

It is the Tiger’s first loss against a midweek opponent this season and they are now 18-10-1 overall.

The Blazers stormed out to a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Auburn got a run back in the third on a [autotag]Bobby Peirce[/autotag] sacrifice fly and tied it up in the fourth when [autotag]Cole Foster[/autotag] hit a two-RBI single to center field.

Auburn took a 5-4 lead in the seventh inning when [autotag]Ike Irish[/autotag] hit a sacrifice fly to drive in [autotag]Caden Green[/autotag].

[autotag]Christian Herberholz[/autotag] came in to pitch the seventh inning for Auburn and was unable to keep it tied. He allowed a double and a walk to start the inning and the Blazers tied it with a bunt.

The Blazers once again got their leadoff man on in the ninth and advanced him to second on a sacrifice bunt. After another single, the Tigers intentionally walked the next batter to load the bases and turned to [autotag]John Armstrong[/autotag] to try and keep the game alive.

He was unable to get the job done as Henry Hunter hit a single to win it for the Blazers.

Auburn returns to SEC play Thursday for a three-game series against Texas A&M at Plainsman Park.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4 category=691343809]

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow JD on Twitter @jdmccarthy15.

Gators blow by Auburn in game two, evens series

The Tigers’ offense exploded in game one. In game two, the Gators returned the favor.

Much like in Friday’s series opener, one team had a great day at the plate while the other never really got it going.

In Friday’s opener, Auburn knocked off No. 3 Florida, 10-1, behind an 11-hit effort and a six-run 2nd inning. On Saturday, The Gators responded by posting 19 hits in a 12-5 victory to even the series.

All 10 Florida (23-5, 6-2 SEC) batters recorded a hit in Saturday’s win, with seven of those batters recording multiple hits. Starter Hurston Waldrop backed up his offense by striking out 10 batters and allowing four hits in 6.0 innings of work.

Auburn (18-8-1, 3-5 SEC) struck first on a groundout by [autotag]Ike Irish[/autotag] that scored [autotag]Cole Foster[/autotag] from 3rd base to put Auburn ahead, 1-0 in the top of the 1st inning. Florida answered in the bottom of the inning on a Jac Caglianone two-run blast to put them ahead, 2-1.

[autotag]Bobby Peirce[/autotag] would put the Tigers back in front with a two-run home run of his own in the top of the 3rd inning, but Florida scored five runs in the bottom half to take a 7-3 lead and grab control of the game.

The Tigers cut into Florida’s 8-3 lead in the top of the 7th inning when Foster and Peirce scored yet again on a single by [autotag]Bryson Ware[/autotag], but Florida scored four runs over the final two innings to earn the convincing win.

“All three times we scored tonight, not only did they score the very next half-inning, but they scored more than we scored in the top half,” head coach [autotag]Butch Thompson[/autotag] said after Saturday’s game. “They answered us every time we scored and created offense.”

Auburn continued to experiment with the weekend rotation by sending [autotag]John Armstrong[/autotag] to the mound for his first start of the season. He lasted 2.1 innings where he allowed seven hits, seven runs (four earned), and struck out one. [autotag]Christian Herberholz[/autotag] and [autotag]Zach Crotchfelt[/autotag] also provided 2.0 and 2.2 innings of relief respectively, with Herberholz allowing five hits and zero runs in his outing while striking out three batters.

[autotag]Parker Carlson[/autotag] ended the game for Auburn by throwing an inning of relief where he allowed two hits and an earned run.

Auburn’s offense recorded eight hits in the game, with Foster and Peirce leading the way with two hits each.

Game three of the series is set for Sunday at noon CT on SEC Network+. [autotag]Tommy Vail[/autotag] takes the mound for Auburn, and he will battle two-way star Jac Caglianone for the series win.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbyzb4ahnasj2m3 player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=691343809]

Auburn ace Joseph Gonzalez to miss more time on the mound

Gonzalez has dealt with shoulder discomfort this season, which has caused him to make just one start this season.

The projected ace of Auburn’s weekend rotation is expected to miss more time away from the mound.

[autotag]Joseph Gonzalez[/autotag], Auburn’s only returning piece from last season’s rotation, has dealt with shoulder discomfort since the preseason, which has limited him to making just one start this season. He tossed five innings in Auburn’s 6-1 series-sealing win over Indiana on Feb. 18 at Plainsman Park, where he allowed two hits and struck out a batter.

He has not taken the mound since.

Head coach Butch Thompson had hoped that Gonzalez would be healthy enough to return to the rotation for the Arkansas series, but last week’s practices suggested that he needs more time to get back to 100% throwing strength.

“We just asked the best doctor in the world to sit down with him face-to-face. So we’re probably going to take a few more weeks, maybe up to six weeks,” Thompson said Wednesday. “(Gonzalez) still feels something when he cranks it up to full speed. He still feels it a little bit.”

He was scratched from his scheduled start on Feb. 25 against USC due to shoulder tightness and had hoped to make a return last weekend against Arkansas. However, the TBA slot that was open for Gonzalez’s potential return was filled by [autotag]Konnor Copeland[/autotag] in Auburn’s 5-0 loss to the Razorbacks last Sunday.

This weekend, Auburn is expected to throw [autotag]Tommy Vail[/autotag] on Thursday, and [autotag]Zach Crotchfelt[/autotag] on Saturday in their home series with Georgia, with Saturday’s slot up for grabs. [autotag]Tanner Bauman[/autotag], Konnor Copeland, and [autotag]Christian Herberholz[/autotag] have the potential to fill game two’s need, as each of them has started in at least one weekend game this season.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbyzb4ahnasj2m3 player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=691343809]

Auburn baseball vs. Lipscomb: How to watch/stream this weekend’s series at Plainsman Park

Auburn baseball looks to continue its’ offensive hot streak this weekend against Lipscomb.

Auburn baseball plays Lipscomb this weekend for a three-game series at Plainsman Park, and if you’re wondering how you can watch the action live, you’ve come to the right place.

Auburn baseball (6-1-1) looks to continue its recent hot streak this weekend as they welcome Lipscomb (5-3) to Plainsman Park.

Auburn put on an offensive clinic in Wednesday’s midweek action against Florida A&M. An 11-run first inning was enough to allow Auburn to coast to an 18-8 run-rule victory. Cole Foster, Cooper McMurray, and Justin Kirby each had three RBI in the win. Tommy Vail struck out six batters in four innings of work on the mound.

The Tigers are hitting exceptionally well this season as they enter the series with a .342 average. [autotag]Ike Irish[/autotag] and [autotag]Bryson Ware[/autotag] have been leading the way as they have 34 hits between them. [autotag]Justin Kirby[/autotag] has hit six home runs, which is ironically the total of hits he has on the season.

The pitching rotation will see the usual Friday starter as [autotag]Tanner Bauman[/autotag] gets the nod. However, [autotag]Christian Herberholz[/autotag] will get the Saturday start for the second weekend in a row while [autotag]Joseph Gonzalez[/autotag] continues to nurse an injury. Freshman [autotag]Zach Crotchfelt[/autotag] will get his first weekend start of the season by taking the mound on Sunday.

Below, you will find everything you need to know ahead of this weekend’s series between Auburn and Lipscomb, including a broadcast guide, projected lineup, and the pitching rotation.