Auburn baseball turned a six-win streak to seven this week when they defeated Jacksonville State on the road 8-4, earning their 30th win of the season. The Tigers were coming off a strong series sweep over South Carolina as they prepared to take on the Gamecocks.
Bobby Peirce and Brody Moore both collected two hits, with Moore racking up three RBIs as well. While the Tigers played well on offense, it was ultimately their defense that was the highlight of the game.
In the bottom of the third inning, Jacksonville State’s TJ Reeves hit a deep ball to center field, looking like a home run for the Gamecocks. However, Auburn baseball center fielder Kason Howell took off after it, got a foot in the fence, and jumped up to catch the ball above the fence.
ARE YOU KIDDING US KASON?!?!#SCTop10 | @kasonhowell55 pic.twitter.com/6au0dxYrFL
— Auburn Baseball (@AuburnBaseball) April 26, 2022
While Howell credited the catch to his experience fielding Sonny DiChiara’s hits during batting practice, Coach Butch Thompson complimented Howell’s incredible defense following the game, per AuburnTigers.com:
"“We take for granted what Kason does,” Thomspon added. “You just don’t notice the plays he makes because he makes them look routine. A spectacular opportunity shows up and he makes a play on the wall like that, and you get to see what a premium defender he is.”"
Obviously, Auburn baseball fans were extremely excited about Howell’s unbelievable catch to keep the Gamecocks from a two-run home run.
If Jason Howell doesn’t get at least top 3 tomorrow for #SCTop10 he got robbed just like the jsu player @kasonhowell55 @SportsCenter
— Tanner🥶 (@SissonTanner) April 27, 2022
You won’t see many catches better than this one by Auburn’s Kason Howell. @NextRoundLive https://t.co/i8QbQt9ORV
— Scott Forester (@ScottForesterTV) April 26, 2022
Auburn baseball continues this weekend as they head to Knoxville to take on the #1 Tennessee Volunteers for an SEC series starting on Friday at 6:00 p.m.