After a dominant performance from Auburn on Friday, the Tigers (25-17-1, 9-11 SEC) returned to Founders Park for game two with confidence. After taking an early lead, Auburn capitalized on its golden opportunity to win the series over No. 2 South Carolina. The Tigers upset the Gamecocks (34-8, 13-6 SEC) with a 9-5 win, claiming the series.
“Two days in a row we scored in the first inning and really set a tone,” said head coach Butch Thompson. “It got us into the ballgame, and we did even more today in the first. You knew they’d make a rally, so we had to keep playing.”
Thanks to its veterans, Auburn’s offense stole the lead first and refused to let go.
First baseman Cooper McMurray led the team scoring three runs and getting two hits with two home runs and three RBIs in three at-bats. Shortstop Cole Foster had one run, two hits and two RBIs in four at-bats. Right fielder Bobby Peirce had one run, one RBI and two hits — a double and a home run.
“To open the day with a four-spot in the first is always big,” McMurray said. “Our pitching staff has come out and been really good for us and making it easy on the offense. On that side of the ball, we think we can score however many runs at any given time. It’s just about playing a full game of clean baseball.”
Auburn’s offense took the lead early with a single to left field from Foster that sent left fielder Chris Stanfield and McMurray home in the first.
Center fielder Kason Howell followed Foster’s lead with a single through the right side, sending Bryson Ware and Foster home.
The Tigers’ electric offense sent balls out of Founders Park left and right.
In the second inning, catcher Nate LaRue hit his second home run of the season, sending the ball flying to center field. Peirce followed with a homer to left field, his fourth home run of the season.
Three innings later in the fifth, McMurray smashed the ball to center field for his first homer of the day, sending Ike Irish home to further Auburn’s lead to 8-1.
After South Carolina made it an 8-5 game going to the ninth, McMurray hit his second home run of the game to finish off the Gamecocks. It was the first baseman’s 12th home run of the season and seventh in the last seven games.
Auburn’s pitching staff remained composed through several of South Carolina’s offensive surges. The Tigers’ pitching staff collected 11 strikeouts and six walks, allowing five runs and six hits.
“I believe in our team so much,” said left-hander Konner Copeland. “I just try to fill it up. That’s all I have to do. Let the hitters hit. I believe in my defense, and our offense shows out pretty much all of the time, so just fill it up and do what you have to do.”
Right-hander Christian Herberholz started on the mound for the Tigers, pitching four innings and allowing three hits and one run. Herberholz had six strikeouts and four walks.
Chase Isbell relieved Herberholz in the fifth, pitching one inning. Isbell had one strikeout and two walks, allowing two hits and two runs.
Copeland (3-1) replaced Isbell in the sixth and earned his third win of the season after pitching the final four innings. Copeland recorded four strikeouts and no walks, allowing one hit and two runs.
With a chance of a sweep, the Tigers will return for the season finale on Sunday at 2 p.m. CST on ESPN2.
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Caitlyn Griffin is a sophomore from Huntsville, Alabama, majoring in journalism. She started with The Plainsman in fall 2022.
Twitter: @caitlyngrif99
