The Tigers led 7-1 in the fifth, but it was not enough for a baseball win Friday, March 1. Auburn blew its lead against visiting Eastern Illinois, losing 11-10 after allowing six runs in the ninth.
A six-run two out rally in the ninth helped the Eastern Illinois Panthers win the first of a three game series against the Tigers this weekend. Auburn pitcher Terrance Dedrick gave up five runs on two hits in the ninth after walking three batters that eventually scored for the Panthers.
"We gave them many opportunities and they took advantage of it," Auburn Head Coach John Pawlowski said.
Dedrick walked the first batter, then struck out the next two giving Auburn and everyone watching the impression the game was over. Then the game changing play happened, a two-out pop fly to shallow right field fell between Ryan Tella and Jordan Ebert, clearing the bases for the Panthers and giving them the 8-5 lead.
"The ball goes up and three guys don't see it. It's a very unfortunate play," Pawlowski said. "Leading up to that, we put some guys on base. It falls to the opportunities we gave them. They came up with a couple of breaks and that was the difference."
Treyson Vavra had a strong ninth inning for Eastern Illinois when he accounted for three RBI's, one run and a double. Vavra recored one hit, one walk and two runs throughout the game.
Auburn's surge came in the fifth inning when the Tigers scored five runs on five hits, giving them a 7-1 lead. Damek Tomscha led the Tigers with two RBI's in the fifth off a single to center field. Ryan Tella singled up the middle, scoring a run and later stole a base and scored off of Tomscha's single.
The Tigers allowed four runs in the sixth inning on three hits and Eastern Illinois' comeback from a six-run deficit began.
Throughout the game, Auburn allowed a season-high nine walks, including four free bases in the ninth inning that resulted in scores for Eastern Illinois.
The Tigers are now 6-3 on the season and will try to improve their record in game two of the series with Eastern Illinois Saturday, March 2 at 3 p.m. in Plainsman Park.
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