Tigers stout pitching leads to win in game one against No. 12 Vanderbilt

The Tigers extend their win streak to three games with a victory over No. 12 Vanderbilt.

Auburn faced a Vanderbilt squad that came into Plainsman Park ranked No. 12 in the country on Friday, and the Tigers certainly made it look easy.

From the get-go, it was Butch Thompson’s club that made a statement. In the second inning, the Tigers’ scoring began. Second baseman Cole Foster hit a home run to give Auburn an early 1-0 lead. In the fourth, it was the Auburn designated hitter Brooks Carlson who increased the lead in the fourth with a three-run home run. The lead was increased to 4-0. Not to mention, it just seemed like Auburn starting pitcher Hayden Mullins was unhittable tonight. He gave up just one hit in 4.1 innings pitched.

Both teams were unable to plate a run until the seventh inning. In the top of the seventh, leadoff-batter Enrique Bradfield hit a sac fly that scored the eight-hole hitter Rob Gordon. It just so happens that it was the Commodores’ lone run of the game. That is a testament to pitching coach Tim Hudson and the entire pitching staff. It was a combined effort that featured pitchers Hayden Mullins, Carson Skipper, and Blake Burkhalter. All three pitched phenomenally in game one of the three-game series.

In the eighth, it was right-fielder Bobby Peirce who tripled to right-center field that brought in Brody Moore. In the ninth, Burkhalter held the ‘Dores in check while getting a ground out and striking out the two other batters. The win was given to reliever Carson Skipper who improved to a solid 3-0 on the year, while Vanderbilt starting pitcher Chris McElvain dropped to 4-2 on the year.

Overall, Auburn grabbed the 5-1 win to increase to 21-9 and 6-4 in conference play. Being over .500 is a testament to what head coach [autotag]Butch Thompson[/autotag] has established on the Plains. The Tigers won two out of three on the road against LSU and Texas A&M. They also beat the No. 1 Ole Miss Rebels as well. As for Vanderbilt, they fall to 21-8 and 4-6 in the conference. Game two will be played tomorrow at 4 p.m. CT and will be aired on SEC Network+. The Tigers will look to improve their win streak to four games.

 

 

 

 

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