No 2. Vanderbilt used its hot bats to earn the sweep against Auburn Sunday, March 17, defeating the Tigers 8-6.
Auburn (13-6, 0-3) looked as if it could make a comeback in the later innings and headed into the bottom of the ninth trailing by only two. Vanderbilt pitcher Jared Miller held off the Tigers, allowing only one run in the final three innings.
Vanderbilt (18-2, 3-0) had 13 hits throughout the game, capitalizing off of Auburn pitcher Rocky McCord in the first two innings and cruising to the victory.
McCord allowed four runs off of four hits and had three walks with no strikeouts through 1.2 innings pitched. The Commodores led 4-0 after a double to center right field by first baseman Conrad Gregor that scored Jack Lupo and Tony Kemp.
Auburn was able to score a run in the second after a sacrifice fly into center field by Blake Austin scored Ryan Tella, who now has 17 runs on the season.
The Tigers later scored two in the fourth inning after a double by third baseman Damek Tomscha scored Garrett Cooper and Tomscha stole home on a wild pitch.
Leading 7-3 in the fifth, Vanderbilt controlled the remainder of the game with its pitching after its early batting success and large lead. The late rally by Auburn was not enough, and the Tigers lost their third game to the Commordores to start SEC play 0-3.
Auburn will try to improve this week against Alabama State Tuesday, March 19 at 6 p.m. at Plainsman Park.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
