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A spirit that is not afraid

Tigers hand 'Noles first loss of season

Freshman Jon Luke Jacobs throws out Florida State's Jason Stidham during Saturday's game. Auburn won 10-9, the Seminole's first loss.
Freshman Jon Luke Jacobs throws out Florida State's Jason Stidham during Saturday's game. Auburn won 10-9, the Seminole's first loss.

After dropping two straight games to Florida State (6-1), Auburn (3-4) managed to scrap out a win last Saturday to end what would be a shortened series against the Seminoles after the final game was canceled due to snow.

The Tigers handed Florida State its first loss of the season, winning the game 10-9.

Auburn head coach John Pawlowski said Saturday's performance made up for a weak showing the previous day.

"I told the team today is another day and another opportunity," Pawlowski said. "We got down early, but these guys never seem to give up, and they battled back and found a way to win a ballgame today."

The Tigers got a boost in the earned run department from junior infielder Joseph Sanders, who sent a bottom of the sixth inning pitch over the wall for a three-run home run.

"I knew I had to get something in the air to get the guy from third base to the plate so we could get at least one run out of it," Sanders said. "I went down 1-2 and he finally hung one that stayed up and I got a hold of it."

It was a career day for Sanders, who finished with five RBI going 2-for-5 on the day. He currently leads the team in home runs with five.

The lead changed often throughout the game, which featured homes runs from two players on each squad. The Seminoles took leads of 3-0, 4-3 and 8-6 before the Tigers pulled ahead for good.

Pawlowski said pitching played an important role at the end, particularly junior closer Austin Hubbard's performance.

"Austin handled the final three innings very well. He showed a great out-pitch and pitched with a lot of poise and composure out there," Pawlowski said of Hubbard. "We really needed that out of our bullpen."

Hubbard said he thought the team showed improvement and he has adapted well to his new role of closer.

"Yesterday kind of woke us up, and today we came out and got the bats going and the pitchers threw well," Hubbard said. "My role has changed over the last couple of years, but I am really enjoying (being the closer). It feels good to be the guy they call on to finish the game."

Hubbard was credited with the save for Auburn, while Michael Hurst was given the win. Florida State pitcher Bo O'dell took the loss for the Seminoles.

The win snapped Auburn's six-game losing streak versus Florida State after being swept in the series last season and dropping the first two games this year.

Sunday's fourth and final game of the series was canceled due to snow.

There are no plans to make up the game.

Auburn will host Brown University Friday and Saturday, 1 p.m. both days at Plainsman Park.

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