AUBURN, Ala. – In a weekend that will be etched in Auburn baseball lore, the Tigers achieved a historic feat by sweeping the No. 3 ranked LSU Tigers in a thrilling three-game series at Plainsman Park. This marks Auburn’s first series sweep over LSU since 1988, a remarkable accomplishment that has sent shockwaves through the college baseball world and significantly boosted Auburn’s postseason aspirations.
The atmosphere at Plainsman Park was electric throughout the weekend as Auburn showcased exceptional pitching, timely hitting, and unwavering resilience to take down one of the nation’s top teams.
Game 1: Chandler Shines as Auburn Takes the Opener 5-3
Auburn set the tone for the weekend with a decisive 5-3 victory in the series opener. Junior right-hander Hunter Chandler delivered a masterful performance on the mound, dominating the LSU lineup for seven strong innings. Chandler struck out an impressive nine LSU batters while allowing just three runs, earning a well-deserved win.
Offensively, Auburn jumped out to an early lead in the second inning. With runners on base, sophomore outfielder Myles Langston delivered a clutch two-RBI double, giving the Tigers a 2-0 advantage. Auburn added to their lead throughout the game, capitalizing on opportunities and showcasing a disciplined offensive approach. The bullpen held strong in the later innings, securing the 5-3 victory and setting the stage for a potentially special weekend.
Game 2: Stanfield’s Walk-Off Heroics Complete Thrilling Comeback in 7-6 Win
The second game of the series was a dramatic back-and-forth affair that saw Auburn demonstrate incredible grit and determination. LSU jumped out to an early lead, putting Auburn in a tough position. However, the Auburn offense refused to back down.
The pivotal moment came in the fourth inning when junior third baseman Cole Foster stepped up to the plate and launched a towering three-run home run, igniting the Auburn crowd and bringing the Tigers back into the game. The score remained tight, with both teams trading runs.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, with the score tied 6-6, Auburn freshman outfielder Chris Stanfield stepped to the plate with a runner on second base. In a moment of pure drama, Stanfield delivered a walk-off single, sending the Auburn faithful into a frenzy and securing a stunning 7-6 comeback victory. This win clinched the series for Auburn and guaranteed their first series win over LSU since 2012.
Game 3: Pitching Dominance Seals Historic Sweep with 3-2 Victory
With the series already won, Auburn entered Sunday’s finale looking to make history. The pitching staff delivered another stellar performance, shutting down the potent LSU offense and securing a 3-2 victory to complete the series sweep.
Freshman left-hander Andreas Alvarez started the game and pitched four strong, scoreless innings, setting the tone for the Auburn pitching staff. He was followed by junior right-hander Griffin Graves, who continued the shutout through the middle innings. In the late innings, sophomore right-hander Dylan Watts came in to close the door, effectively silencing the LSU bats and earning the save.
Offensively, Auburn manufactured enough runs to secure the victory, demonstrating their ability to win close, low-scoring games. The 3-2 win sparked a jubilant celebration on the field as the realization of their historic sweep sunk in.
Coach Thompson’s Reaction:
Following the momentous sweep, Auburn head coach Butch Thompson praised his team’s unwavering spirit and belief. “This team never quits,” Thompson said. “They believe in each other, and they’re starting to believe in what we can accomplish. This was a total team effort, from the pitching to the hitting to the defense. I’m incredibly proud of these young men.”
Impact and Future Outlook:
This historic sweep over No. 3 LSU has significantly improved Auburn’s overall record to 26-10 and their SEC record to 9-6. It serves as a powerful statement about their capabilities and firmly places them in the conversation for postseason contention. The victory will undoubtedly provide a massive boost in confidence as they navigate the remainder of the challenging SEC schedule.
The sweep has not only broken a long-standing drought against a perennial powerhouse but has also energized the Auburn fanbase and solidified Plainsman Park as a formidable environment for opposing teams. With this momentum, Auburn baseball looks poised to make a significant impact in the weeks to come.
Be the first to comment