A fierce competition unfolded at Auburn, with an electrifying performance leading the home team, Auburn Tigers, to a 7-5 victory against Stetson on Saturday night as part of the Auburn Regional. Auburn, standing robust with a record of 39-18, was led by Bub Terrell and Eric Snowโs powerful batting. Terrellโs dynamic contribution included a pair of doubles and three RBIs, while Snow matched his energy with two doubles, driving in two crucial runs.
As the fourth national seed, Auburn is now poised to secure a place in the super regionals with a potential win against the victor of an elimination match between N.C. State and Stetson. Should either the Wolfpack or the Hatters emerge triumphant to face them again, they would need to best Auburn twice to take the regional victory.
The game took an exciting turn in the second inning when Cooper McMurray smashed a double off Stetsonโs starting pitcher, James Hays. This set the stage for subsequent back-to-back RBI doubles from Snow and Terrell, propelling Auburn to a 4-0 lead. In the third inning, Ike Irish and McMurray further strengthened the Tigersโ position with consecutive run-scoring doubles.
The competition intensified as Stetson rallied back, shrinking Auburnโs lead. Evan Griffis crossed the plate when Isaiah Barkett grounded out. The Hatters continued fighting, with Jordan Taylor and Landon Russell each achieving RBI singles, narrowing the score to 4-3 by the fourth inning.
As the game progressed, McMurray initiated the fifth with another double, subsequently scoring thanks to Snowโs powerful hit to left-center. Terrellโs two-RBI double in the seventh extended Auburnโs lead to 7-3. However, Stetson didnโt relent. Danny Perez singled out a walk, scoring on Barkettโs double, followed by Jayden Hiltonโs single that adjusted the scoreboard to 7-5 moving into the eighth inning.
Ike Irish sealed the win for Auburn with a lead-off home run in the ninth, putting the final score at 8-5. Pitcher Samuel Dutton played a key role by enduring 6 2/3 innings, allowing five runs but providing a strong foundation for Ryan Hetzlerโs closing. Hetzler delivered a stunning performance, permitting five hits across 2 1/3 scoreless innings, securing his eighth save this season.