AUBURN, Ala. — The Auburn Tigers continued their dominating start to the season on Tuesday night, notching their fourth consecutive win with a commanding 7-2 victory over the UAB Blazers at Plainsman Park.
Ranked No. 14 nationally, Auburn showcased its formidable pitching arsenal once again, stifling UAB's offense for the third straight game by limiting them to two runs or fewer. Employing a strategic rotation of six pitchers, including three talented newcomers, the Tigers held the Blazers to just two runs on six hits. Their pitching staff also flexed its muscles with an impressive tally of 11 strikeouts while displaying commendable control with only three walks issued throughout the game.
Auburn head coach Butch Thompson lauded his pitching squad for their stellar performance, particularly singling out the standout debut of freshman left-hander Griffin Graves. Graves, making his first appearance in an Auburn uniform, delivered an impressive 2.0 innings of scoreless relief while striking out a pair of batters en route to securing his inaugural collegiate victory.
“I thought if we were going to have challenges tonight it would be from (pitching), but those guys did an amazing job,” Thompson said “Griffin (Graves), we’ve been waiting for that outing for a long time, to see him perform well and attack. He really competed and filled up the zone.”
Reflecting on his collegiate debut, Graves expressed his exhilaration and credited the unwavering support of the passionate fanbase and his teammates for helping him navigate the pressure-packed moments on the field.
“The adrenaline was pretty crazy,” Graves said. “I knew I was going out on the field with a great fanbase and great people, so I knew that those pressure moments that I had the best defense behind me to prepare for that. I was just going to go out there and trust my stuff, and it was a good outing.
Despite encountering an early setback when UAB snagged a 1-0 lead in the second inning, the resilient Tigers swiftly regained control of the game. They mounted a spirited comeback in the bottom of the inning, manufacturing two runs to seize the lead. The momentum continued to swing in Auburn's favor, highlighted by Ike Irish's impressive solo homer in the third inning, which electrified the crowd with its sheer velocity off the bat.
“You’re usually not sitting here with the result you want if the other team scores first and you get outhit in the ballgame,” Thompson said. “I give the guys some credit for just hanging in there and battling.”
Buoyed by their potent offense and steadfast defense, the Tigers maintained their grip on the game, adding runs in the sixth and seventh innings. The contributions of young talents such as freshman Deric Fabian were pivotal, with Fabian delivering another clutch RBI to extend Auburn's lead.
Despite being outhit by UAB, Auburn's ability to capitalize on crucial opportunities and showcase their depth in pitching and batting ultimately proved decisive in securing yet another convincing victory.
Looking ahead, Auburn is set to embark on its first road trip of the season as they journey to Jacksonville, Florida, for the highly anticipated Jax College Baseball Classic. With aspirations of extending their winning streak against formidable competition, the Tigers are poised to make a resounding statement in the college baseball landscape this season.
As they continue to build upon their early-season success, Auburn exemplifies a team brimming with talent, depth, and determination. With their sights set on achieving greatness, the Tigers are primed to captivate audiences and contend for championship glory as the season unfolds.
