Auburn fell to No. 1 South Carolina 7-3 in the opening game of the SEC Tournament in Hoover Wednesday, May 25.
The Tigers had a promising start with three runs in the first inning, but South Carolina pitcher Michael Roth (11-3) held Auburn to only three hits the rest of the game.
Tony Caldwell, Second Team All SEC catcher, drove in the first run for Auburn.
Senior first baseman Kevin Patterson added two runs with a hit to right field.
Auburn's bats began to be silenced by Roth, who had his first complete game of the season for South Carolina.
During the final eight innings, only two base runners reached scoring position.
Auburn finished the game with six hits and two walks.
In the second inning, the Gamecocks answered with three runs and continued scoring sporadically throughout the game.
Jon Luke Jacobs (1-5) took the loss, allowing four runs on five hits and a walk through three innings.
The loss brings Auburn's record to 28-29.
The Tigers will face the loser of the Georgia vs. Vanderbilt game, which is scheduled for Thursday afternoon.
"I thought we got off to a good start in the first inning and then after the first inning we never had any opportunities, said Auburn head coach John Pawlowski. "I thought Roth was outstanding. Our guys understand the magnitude of tomorrow and they know we have to go out and play hard if we want to stick around for another day."
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