LEXINGTON, Ky. - Over the years in Kentucky, a reputation has been built around March and the magic that takes place in the annual March Madness tournament. However, three miles down the road from the monumental Rupp Arena, a host site for the South region this year in March Madness, the magic seemed to be at Kentucky Proud Park for Auburn. The No. 16 Auburn Tigers took down the No. 24 Kentucky Wildcats in dramatic fashion, winning 8-7.
Auburn got off to a fast start, manufacturing a run in each of the first three innings. However, Kentucky responded with two runs each in the second and third innings to take a 4-3 lead. The Tigers would breakthrough in the 6th though with a pair of doubles from Eric Snow and Eric Guevara to take a 6-4 lead. The ‘Cats would add a pair of runs that same inning before then taking the lead in the bottom of the seventh, 7-6. That would be the score until Auburn's top of the order came up to bat with three outs remaining.
After Snow grounded out, McMurray ripped and single and was instantly pinch ran for by Bristol Carter, who then stole second. Bub Terrell would ground out and Chase Fralick would be the last chance for Auburn. 1-1 count, he swings, it’s roped to left, tied game.
Next up was Ike Irish, one of the more formidable bats in the lineup. This time he takes a hack at it, but it’s popped up. However, the popup caroms off freshman shortstop Tyler Bell, allowing Auburn to take the lead and eventually win, 8-7.
Pitching for Auburn, Samuel Dutton when five innings, giving up eight hits and four runs. Johnston, Myers, and Armstrong each pitched fractions of an inning. Lastly, Parker Carlson picked up the win with a scoreless eighth and Ryan Hetzler slammed the door for the save.
Auburn will look to take the series against Kentucky Saturday as first pitch is set for 1 p.m. eastern on SEC+ and the Auburn Sports Network.
