No. 13 Auburn baseball is gearing up for a challenging three-game series against Austin Peay, marking the conclusion of their eight-game homestand and the non-conference portion of their schedule. Set to unfold at Plainsman Park over the weekend, this matchup promises to be a test of both teams' capabilities.
Auburn head coach Butch Thompson expressed his anticipation for the series, acknowledging Austin Peay's impressive start to the season.
"When looking at and preparing for Austin Peay, I can absolutely see why they've gotten off to a hot start," Thompson said. "I expect them to do an amazing job and get us ready for the next 10 weeks."
In terms of pitching matchups, the series kicks off with junior right-hander Chase Allsup taking the mound for Auburn against Austin Peay's junior right-hander Jacob Weaver. Saturday's game features junior left-hander Carson Myers squaring off against redshirt senior right-hander Andrew Devine. Sunday's starters are yet to be determined.
Auburn has demonstrated dominance at home this season, boasting an 8-1 record and outscoring opponents 79-28 in nine home games. The team's offensive consistency has been a key factor, scoring at least four runs in every game under Coach Thompson's guidance.
Remarkably, the Tigers have recorded a home run in each of their 12 games this season, marking their longest season-opening home run streak since at least 1979. This offensive prowess extends to their ability to hit multiple home runs in five consecutive games, a streak unmatched since 2010.
Furthermore, Auburn's success on the basepaths cannot be overlooked, with a stellar 32-for-35 stolen base record this season, ranking 11th nationally and third in the SEC. Cooper Weiss stands out, tied for the national lead with 14 stolen bases.
As for their opponents, Austin Peay, under the leadership of second-year head coach Roland Fanning, enters the weekend series with an impressive 10-2 overall record. The Governors' offense ranks in the top 25 nationally in various categories including batting average, slugging percentage, hits, doubles, and home runs.
Notably, Jon Jon Gazdar leads the team with a .420 batting average, while Lyle Miller-Green boasts impressive power numbers, ranking in the top 20 nationally in both home runs and RBIs.
On the mound, Austin Peay carries a staff ERA of 5.07, with Andrew Devine leading the team in ERA, innings pitched, and strikeouts.
This weekend's series not only presents an opportunity for Auburn to continue their home dominance but also serves as a significant test against a formidable opponent in Austin Peay. With both teams poised for success, baseball enthusiasts can anticipate an exciting weekend of action at Plainsman Park.
