AUBURN, Ala. - The No. 23 Auburn Tigers defeated the No. 13 Vanderbilt Commodores 6-2 in game one of their three-game series behind a strong performance by starting pitcher Samuel Dutton.
The Tigers have been propelled by their starting pitching all season long, getting quality performance after quality performance from their workhorses. That story rang true again Friday night, as the Tigers' starting pitcher Samuel Dutton went seven innings and only surrendered two runs on six hits and six strikeouts. Senior reliever Carson Myers took the mound in the final two innings, racking up five strikeouts and allowing just one baserunner as he slammed the door on the Commodores and gave the Tigers the victory.
The Tigers fell behind 2-0 early in this one, as Vanderbilt shortstop Jonathan Vastine sent one over the right field wall in the top of the third. However, the Tigers answered quickly, plating five in the bottom half of the third to give them a lead they would never relinquish. Freshman Bub Terrell led all Tigers with three hits, as the Tigers' offense continued to produce as it has done all season.
Auburn’s victory Friday night improved their season record to 15-3 and kept a historic trend of dominance over Vanderbilt at Plainsman Park alive. Auburn has amassed a record of 57-23 over the Commodores all time when matched up on the plains, and the home team has won the series each of the last five meetings between the two teams. The Tigers will look to continue those trends through the weekend as they try to start SEC play with a series win.
Game two between the Tigers and Commodores has been moved up from its original time slot of 3 p.m. to 11 a.m. due to severe weather sweeping through Alabama Saturday afternoon. Auburn left-hander Cade Fisher will face off against Vanderbilt’s Ethan McElvain as the Tigers look to take the series.
The game will be broadcast on SECN+ as well as the Auburn Sports Network.
