Auburn Baseball: Tigers back on track with mid-week win vs Georgia Tech

Auburn Baseball (16-1) returns to the win column after a strong showing against Georgia Tech (9-7), defeating the Yellow Jackets 12-7 at Plainsman Park Tuesday night.

After falling for the first time in 2018 in the series finale against Northeastern last Saturday, Auburn baseball rebounded by defeating non-conference rival Georgia Tech in front of the home crowd on Tuesday. In the game, four Tigers recorded at least 2 RBI, with five batters picking up multiple hits.

The Tigers offense set the tone early, by scoring seven runs over the first four innings. Josh Anthony kicked off the Tigers’ busy offensive day by plating two runs in the first inning on a two-out double. Will Holland led off the 2nd inning by hitting a solo home run, padding on to the Auburn lead, 3-0.

The next three batters following Holland would reach base, with the second run of the inning scoring on a wild pitch. Steven Williams reached base on a single and later advanced to third on a double by Brendan Venter. A wild pitch allowed Williams to score, giving Auburn the 4-0 lead heading into 3rd inning.

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Auburn carried momentum into the third inning, with the first three batters reaching. Jay Estes earned a double, with Eduoard Julien following suit with a single of his own. Holland earned his second RBI of the day by scoring Estes from third base, reaching on a fielder’s choice.

The Tigers then added two more runs in the 4th inning, both with the bases loaded and zero outs. The first two batters in the frame were plunked, then Brett Wright singled, putting three runners on for Estes.

The Crawfordville, Florida native picked up his 11th RBI on a single to left field, scoring Conor Davis from third base, moving Auburn ahead 6-0. Julien took four pitches out of the strike zone in the next at-bat, plating Anthony on the bases-loaded walk, putting Auburn ahead 7-0.

Georgia Tech’s bats came alive in the top of the 5th inning to threaten Auburn’s lead. The Yellow Jackets scored five runs on three hits in the inning, led by Austin Wilhite’s 2-RBI single with one out off of Auburn’s Corey Herndon.

The threat was short-lived, as Auburn answered by scoring five runs in the bottom of the 6th inning. Williams plated two runs, while Julien, Luke Jarvis, and Conor Davis each earned an RBI. The big inning gave Auburn some cushion, leading 12-5.

Tech would score two more runs in the game, a two-RBI double by Tristin English, and on a wild pitch.

Anderson remains undefeated, Owen slams door

Auburn used five pitchers in Tuesday’s win over Georgia Tech, with the bullpen handling nearly all of the load.

Ryan Hoerter lasted one inning in his start, striking out one and walking four. Elliot Anderson (3-0) picked up the slack in the 2nd inning and struck out three in 3.1 innings on the mound. Corey Herndon’s relief effort lasted only four batters after replacing Anderson in the 5th inning, allowing two hits and two walks before giving way to Welby Malczewski.

Malczewski got Auburn out of the inning and went on to pitch into the 7th inning, allowing two runs to Georgia Tech.

Jack Owen had the most impressive performance for Auburn on the mound, striking out five batters while only allowing two hits in three complete innings, earning his second save of the young season.

Getting Back at it Tomorrow

Auburn returns to Plainsman Park tomorrow for a second mid-week game before conference play begins, by welcoming Memphis to town for a 3 P.M. first pitch.

Ryan Watson gets the nod for his second mid-week start of the season for Auburn, Memphis has yet to name a starting pitcher.

SEC Network+ will stream the game via the WatchESPN app, audio can also be heard on the Auburn Sports Network.

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