After scoring four combined runs over the first two games of the series, No. 9 Auburn’s bats exploded Saturday night, scoring 17 runs on 20 hits to secure a sweep of Youngstown State.
In the three-game sweep of the Penguins, Auburn pitchers allowed just four runs on 11 hits and struck out 43 batters, the most strikeouts in a three-game series under head coach Butch Thompson.
Alex Petrovic (43) pitches while opposing player tries to steal home in Plainsman Park on February 14, 2026.
“I was tickled to death, three really good starts,” Thompson said. “There was a lot of execution. I thought the defense played well, too. I really saw the three guys we committed to start have a commitment of really trying to force in the strike zone.”
Although the Tigers’ offensive numbers jumped off the page, their pitching was also terrific, as redshirt sophomore Alex Petrovic delivered a gem on the mound.
The Cypress, Texas, native tossed five shutout innings, allowing just one hit while striking out nine.
Auburn got the hit parade started in the first inning when Eric Guevara smashed a leadoff double down the right-field line. The junior from Panama City, Panama, capped an outstanding day at the plate with four hits in the doubleheader.
Eric Guevara (8) throws ball to first base against Youngstown State in Plainsman Park on February 14, 2026.
“I was seeing the fast ball pretty good,” Guevara said. “I’m pretty sure all of my hits were to the opposite side of the field. I was just sticking to my approach, and it worked out pretty good.”
Sophomore Chase Fralick drove in Guevara with his first home run of the season, a two-run blast, putting Auburn on top 2-0.
Chase Fralick (3) scores first run against Youngstown State in Plainsman Park on February 14, 2026.
The Tigers kept their foot on the gas in the bottom of the second, recording four runs on three hits to extend the lead to 5-0. Hits from Bristol Carter, Bub Terrell and Texas State transfer Ryne Farber sparked the rally.
In the fourth, back-to-back singles from Terrell and Fralick put the orange and blue in business. Cade Belyeu brought home Terrell via a sacrifice fly to extend the lead to 6-0.
In the fifth inning, the floodgates opened for the Tigers offense, scoring eight runs on five hits and two errors to increase the lead to 14-0. Once again, the Tigers got the spark they needed by getting the leadoff man on base. In all six innings Auburn came to bat, the leadoff man reached first base safely.
In the sixth, Auburn tacked on three more runs to stretch the lead to 17-0. The inning started with fireworks as Terrell launched a moonshot over the right-field wall, his first home run of the season.
The Penguins came to bat in the top of the seventh with the 10-run rule in effect. Trevor Charpie’s ballclub did not go down without a fight, clawing across two runs to make it a 17-2 game. After a pitching change, redshirt freshman Connor Gatwood got the final out, finishing off a perfect opening weekend for the Tigers.
Following the win, Thompson confirmed that star infielder Chris Rembert turned his ankle in the opening game of the doubleheader but he won’t be out long-term.
The Tigers will return to Plainsman Park for their first midweek matchup of the season, taking on the Cincinnati Bearcats. First pitch is set for 6:00 p.m. CST.
“You can’t hide now,” Thompson said. “You’re as good as you are between the lines playing the game right now. We’re going to have to do things better to be who we want to be.”
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.
Rory is a sophomore majoring in journalism sports production. He started with The Plainsman in the spring of 2025.
You can follow him on X (Twitter) at @RorymGarvin
