On Friday, the Auburn Regional kicked off at Plainsman Park despite a few scheduling shakeups due to the inclement weather on the Plains. NC State and Stetson started the day, with the Hatters ultimately beating out the Wolfpack 11-2 after picking up seven runs in the first inning.
With a late start at 7:30, the Tigers were the first to go on the board, bringing in four runs in the bottom of the first inning. Central Connecticut struck back in the second, however, logging three runs and bringing the score to 4-3 early.
Cam Tilly got the starting nod for the Tigers on the mound, a decision that didn't ultimately work out for head coach Butch Thompson and his team. Carson Myers was the key to the game for the Tigers, starting in the third inning and allowing just one run on six hits in six innings. Auburn baseball knocked in 5 more runs throughout the game, ultimately coming out with a 9-5 victory.
"I just wanted to give every ounce of effort I had and more," Myers said following the win, per Auburn Undercover. "These are my boys and I'll do anything for them. I just wanted to give every bit of effort I have, give everything I've got."
The four runs in the first inning came through RBI singles thanks to Lucas Steele and Eric Snow, and Bub Terrell knocked in two more. Then, Lucas Steele had a solo homer in the third inning, and Terrell and Chris Rembert contributed several more RBIs.
"I thought we played hard," Thompson said. "I thought we came out ready with good energy. I thought we had a tough time with a lot of just emotions getting settled on the mound until Carson got to that point.
"I thought it took a second for us to get settled. Saying that, the offense did a great job early and finally answered them after a big inning to give us a good lead starting with that solo by Lucas. But I thought we played hard."
The Tigers will take on the Stetson Hatters in the winner's bracket tonight at 8:00.