In the first game of a two-game series with Alabama A&M, the Tigers dominated the Bulldogs 10-0.
Auburn came into the contest Tuesday evening looking to bounce back after getting swept in the three-game series by UCF over the weekend. That marked the first time Auburn has been swept by a non-conference opponent since 2010.
“We had to rebound,” said Auburn pitcher Brooks Fuller. “We got hit in the mouth three games this weekend.”
The Tigers pitching staff, led by Fuller, looked strong working together for a shutout in the game.
Fuller looked poised early, getting out of a jam in the top of the second inning with a runner on third base. Fuller gave up a double to Sam Mickels but got Kyle Redmond to pop up for the third out of the inning.
Butch Thompson spoke about Fuller’s performance on the mound and his growth as a pitcher.
"I see the growth of his ability to throw strike one," Thompson said. "His command and his authority over the baseball has grown so much."
Fuller did not face much trouble for the rest of his evening and looked comfortable only allowing five hits and no runs earned in four innings pitched. Fuller also picked up three strikeouts on the night.
The Tigers went to the bullpen after Fuller’s fourth inning. The bullpen continued the trend of strong pitching only allowing one hit the rest of the game.
Fuller talked about how he enjoys getting out of the game early and letting the bullpen take over.
"It's fun to throw four innings and get out of there,” Fuller said. "It's fun to sit back and watch those guys work."
Auburn went to Ryan Fitts, Carson Skipper, Wade Garrett, Seb Thomas and Mason Barnett to help close out the game. With help from Fuller’s three strikeouts, the pitching staff finished with 10 Ks in the game.
Thompson credited Tim Hudson for the success of the pitching staff tonight.
"Tim did a nice job with our pitchers to keep them short," Thompson said.
Auburn’s bats got off to a slow start with A&M’s Otis Smith on the mound. Through the second inning the Tigers had no hits after being out in front of Smith’s slower pitch velocity.
The lack of hits lasted until leftfielder Brayton Brown hit a home run to center in the bottom of the third inning. The home run was the freshman’s first of the season and the first hit for the Tigers in the game. The bats exploded for Auburn after that big home run.
Thompson spoke about how important it was to see a home run to wake the bats up.
"We've got to be good in the middle of our lineup and some power is going to have to show up," Thompson said.
Auburn went on a big run after that picking up three runs in the fourth inning and three more after that in the fifth inning.
The Tigers’ offense was led by senior Conor Davis, who hit a two-run home run in the fourth inning and picked up two RBI on an error in the fifth. Davis went 1-of-4 on the night and his home run was a highlight for Auburn, hitting the top of the scoreboard.
Second baseman Brody Moore also had a big contribution going 2-for-4 on the night with an RBI. Moore increased his batting average to .393 on the season and the one RBI gave him his fourth this season.
"I'm seeing the ball OK right now and I hope to keep that going," Moore said.
It was the kind of night Auburn was looking for at the plate after only scoring six runs against UCF in three games. Auburn finished with 11 hits in 35 at bats and two home runs.
"It's amazing how we have played two weeks and I feel I've seen two different ball clubs already," Thompson said.
Moving forward in this 23-game homestretch, Thompson will be looking to see the kind of solid play his club brought Tuesday night.
Auburn will matchup with Alabama A&M again Wednesday night at 5 p.m. CST 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.
