AUBURN, Ala. - No. 14 Auburn experienced a mixed bag of results in a doubleheader clash against UConn, claiming victory in the first game 8-1 before succumbing to an 8-4 defeat in the latter contest at Plainsman Park.
Auburn head coach Butch Thompson reflected on the games, expressing contrasting sentiments. He remarked, "I thought it was the best game we played all year in the first game," praising his team's comprehensive performance. However, then saying, "Then I thought we followed that up 45 minutes later with our worst half inning that we’ve had all year."
In the opening game, Auburn's offensive prowess was evident, continuing their streak of hitting home runs in ten consecutive games to start the season. Thompson commended the team's efforts, highlighting, "Our at-bats were good throughout the ballgame." Additionally, Ike Irish reached a significant milestone, notching his 100th career hit in just his 68th game played.
Pitcher Chase Allsup played a pivotal role in securing the win in the first game, delivering a solid performance on the mound. Thompson praised Allsup's resilience, "I loved how Chase finished the game." He emphasized the importance of Allsup's ability to settle and showcase growth throughout the match.
The second game saw UConn seize an early advantage, scoring six runs in the first inning. Despite Auburn's efforts to mount a comeback, including notable offensive contributions from players like Irish and Cooper McMurray, they fell short against UConn's strong start.
The bullpen duo of Christian Herberholz and Tanner Bauman displayed resilience, holding UConn scoreless for several innings. However, Auburn struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, leaving bases loaded on multiple occasions.
Looking ahead, the series finale presents an opportunity for Auburn to bounce back from the setback and secure a series victory. With the decisive game looming, the team aims to regroup and deliver a stronger performance on Sunday.
Auburn's doubleheader against UConn showcased both the team's potential and areas for improvement. While the first game demonstrated their capabilities, the second game highlighted the importance of consistency and capitalizing on opportunities. As they prepare for the series finale, Auburn remains focused on refining their game and clinching a crucial win at Plainsman Park.
