No. 5 Auburn baseball dropped its first game against rival Alabama in Tuscaloosa on Friday night, marking its third straight SEC loss.
What started as a pitcher’s duel through the first five innings unraveled as the Crimson Tide’s bats came alive against the Auburn bullpen late in the game, resulting in an 11-1 run-rule victory.
“We’ve got to drive the ball some in conference play and we just haven’t,” Auburn head coach Butch Thompson said. “We’re going to have play offense on road. We’re in the middle of a series and we’ve got to figure out how to get one, hopefully as early as tomorrow.”
Not only does this loss sting as the Tigers’ first run-rule defeat in just under a year, but Alabama’s 11 runs scored tonight also mark a season high allowed by Auburn. While Auburn still has a chance to win the series, it will need to win back-to-back games to do so — always a challenge against a strong SEC opponent.
The Tigers scored their lone run of the game in the top of the first inning, thanks to an RBI double from third baseman Eric Guevara. From that point on, Auburn did not score again and managed just two more hits over the remaining seven innings, both from catcher Chase Fralick.
“This one stings but we’re playing Alabama and we’ve got to come out with our best foot forward. I’ve got a ton of faith in this team. I know we’re going to come back tomorrow with a better plan and execute," Fralick said.
TUSCALOOSA, AL - MARCH 27 - Auburn's Eric Guevara (8) during the game between the #5 Auburn Tigers and the #22 Alabama Crimson Tide at Sewell-Thomas Stadium in Tuscaloosa, AL on Friday, March 27, 2026. Photo by David Gray/Auburn Tigers
Through their first 21 games, the Tigers had been held to one run or fewer only once, an 8-0 loss to Cincinnati back in February, but the offense has hit a roadblock as of late, scoring just one combined run in its last two SEC matchups. It will be important for the team to regain offensive momentum as it approaches a weaker stretch of its SEC schedule.
While Auburn ace Jake Marciano did not have the dominant performance fans have become accustomed to this season, the left-hander still hurled 5 2/3 innings of solid work for the Tigers, allowing four runs, two earned, and striking out five batters.
Marciano allowed his first two runs on a two-run home run by Alabama first baseman Luke Vaughn in the second inning. Alabama added two more runs on a solo home run by center fielder Bryce Fowler in the fifth and an RBI double from Vaughn in the sixth, which chased Marciano from the game.
From that point on, the Crimson Tide’s offense jumped all over the Tigers’ bullpen, scoring seven runs in the seventh and eighth innings to force the run-rule victory. Nine of Alabama’s 15 hits came in those two decisive innings. The seven runs allowed by Auburn relievers mark a season high and are uncharacteristic of what has otherwise been a reliable bullpen.
With Auburn now on a three-game SEC losing streak, the Tigers will look to bounce back Saturday and Sunday against Alabama, hoping to avoid dropping their second straight series after winning the first four to begin the season.
Auburn is likely to start sophomores Jackson Sanders and Alex Petrovic in those games, hoping the duo can continue their string of strong outings. If the Auburn offense heats back up, a road series victory could still be within reach.
TUSCALOOSA, AL - MARCH 27 - Auburn's Brandon McCraine (11) during the game between the #5 Auburn Tigers and the #22 Alabama Crimson Tide at Sewell-Thomas Stadium in Tuscaloosa, AL on Friday, March 27, 2026. Photo by David Gray/Auburn Tigers
The Tigers will look to even the series Saturday at 7 p.m. CDT.
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Jonathan is a freshman majoring in industrial and systems engineering. He started with The Plainsman in the fall of 2025.
