AUBURN, Ala. — Jacob Morrison and Hayden Johnson combined efforts on the mound to lead Coastal Carolina to a 4-1 victory over Auburn on Saturday, securing a sweep in the Auburn Super Regional and a coveted spot in the College World Series for the second time in the school’s history.
The Chanticleers aim to replicate their success from 2016, when they secured the national championship title. Morrison set the pace by giving up only one run on six hits, striking out six batters over a solid six innings. In relief, Johnson (5-0) maintained the momentum by throwing three scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and striking out five.
Coastal Carolina broke the game open in the seventh inning, initiated by an RBI single from Walker Mitchell. A series of Auburn errors then contributed to two additional runs. With the game tied at 1-1 following Mitchell’s hit, Mitchell advanced from first on a single by Blagen Pado and scored on an errant throw by Auburn’s first baseman as Ty Dooley reached base. A walk to Ty Barrango loaded the bases, and the Chanticleers capitalized when Wells Sykes was hit by a pitch, bringing another run home.
Mitchell again delivered for Coastal Carolina by adding another RBI with a single in the eighth inning, cementing the win. Auburn’s pitcher Cade Fisher (1-3) struggled during the pivotal seventh inning, allowing three runs, only one of which was earned, over his 2 2/3 innings pitched.
Earlier, it was Caden Bodine’s home run in the 10th inning that secured a 7-6 win for Coastal Carolina in their initial matchup, propelling them into a strong position for the super regional round.
This marks Auburn’s fifth appearance in the super regional round. The Tigers have previously advanced to the College World Series on two out of their four possible opportunities, demonstrating their competitive edge in past tournaments.