Weekend Review: Baseball takes Two of Three from Presbyterian

Davis Daniel had a career day on Sunday in Auburn's 8-0 win. (Photo: Auburn Athletics/Wade Rackley)

Auburn Baseball wrapped up its final weekend series against a non-conference opponent, by taking two of three from Presbyterian at Plainsman Park. After taking a tough loss on Friday, the Tigers were able to regroup, and defeat the Blue Hose in the final two days of the series. FRIDAY- PRESBYTERIAN 11 AUBURN 8 Junior Keegan Thompson entered Friday’s game with a rather impressive streak, as he had a 0.00 ERA through 21 innings to open the season. Auburn’s Daniel Robert got played a key role in Friday’s game early on, by plating three runs in the first two innings. The senior scored Jonah Todd in the first inning with a single and picked up two more RBI in the second, which were the third and fourth runs scored in the inning. By the end of the second inning, the Auburn offense gave Thompson a 7-run cushion to work with. Thompson’s streak ultimately came to a close, when Presbyterian scored two runs in the third inning to cut the Tiger lead to five runs. His streak ended with 23.2 innings to open the season. Down 8-4 heading into the ninth, the Blue Hose finally figured out Auburn pitching and plated seven runs to take an 11-8 lead. Presbyterian batted around and recorded eight hits in the inning off of four Tiger pitchers. SATURDAY- AUBURN 7 PRESBYTERIAN 5 Auburn returned the favor on Saturday, by storming back twice to defeat Presbyterian, 7-5. Auburn found themselves down to the Blue Hose 5-3 going to the bottom of the 8th-inning. After two singles and a hit batsman, newcomer Josh Anthony picked up a RBI after a bases-loaded walk to cut the lead to 5-4. Daniel Robert put his team in front with a 2-run single that scored Damon Haecker and Jonah Todd. On the mound, Ryan Watson picked up his first win of his Auburn career after pitching 1.1 innings, Corey Herndon retired the final three Blue Hose batters to earn his second save of the season. Although he did not factor in the decision, starter Casey Mize struck out 10 over 6.2 innings. SUNDAY- AUBURN 8 PRESBYTERIAN 0 To close out the series, the Auburn offense was in control throughout. Auburn scored 8 runs on a brisk day at the ballpark, with three going unearned. The offense helped freshman Davis Daniel have a career day on the mound. In six innings, Daniel allowed three hits and two runs, while striking out eight. Conor Davis led the team in hits with 2, and five Tigers had RBI. Dylan Ingram reached base three times in the game, all on errors. Auburn is now 12-5 on the season. Auburn will play five games next week, opening Tuesday afternoon with in-state foe UAB. The Tigers will also play a make-up game from February 21 against Jacksonville State on Wednesday before opening SEC play against Florida on Friday at Plainsman Park.