The Tigers will face conference play this weekend as they travel to Mississippi State to begin their three-game series March 25.
Auburn (14-7, 2-1 SEC), is currently ranked No. 20 according to USA TODAY.
The Tigers played a mid-week game on the road against Jacksonville State Tuesday and was defeated by a final score of 5-4.
"This is a frustrating loss, but give Jacksonville State credit," said Auburn head coach John Pawlowski. "Every time we play them, we have a real quality game on our hands."
Junior infielder Casey McElroy's single in the first inning at Jacksonville State continued his hitting streak to 16 games, while senior infielder Wes Gilmer finished the game 0-for-3, ending his hitting streak at 14 games.
Auburn won its last series against Arkansas after defeating the Razorbacks 8-7 March 20 at Plainsman Park. With a big win out of the way, the Tigers know there is still more to come.
The Mississippi State Bulldogs (15-6, 1-2 SEC) lost their last rally to No. 2 Vanderbilt and struggled to score during the series.
"We played great defense and that is what is going to have to carry us this year," said Mississippi State head coach John Cohen on the loss to Vanderbilt.
The Bulldogs were held scoreless during the first and second games against Vanderbilt team, but Mississippi State won the third game 9-8.
Auburn has won the past three series against Mississippi State, but remains focused.
"No easy games in this conference," Pawlowski said. "No easy games in mid-week games anymore. These guys have got to continue to find ways to win."
Although the Bulldogs are struggling on offense, they still have a few hitters for whom the Tigers must be prepared.
Seniors Jarrod Parks and Cody Freeman lead the Bulldogs in batting averages, with Parks currently batting .412 and Freeman batting .367.
"We knew every game is going to be really tough," McElroy said. "Against a really good opponent, Arkansas, it's good to come out on top. We know we certainly have our work cut out the rest of the way."
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