Auburn Returns to Plainsman Park for a Three-Game Set with Vanderbilt

May 4, 2018

Conor Davis (24).
Dakota Sumpter / Auburn Athletics

After a week off to focus on final exams, the Auburn Tigers return to Plainsman Park to face #23 Vanderbilt in a three-game conference series

We learned a few things about Auburn Baseball (31-14, 10-11) last weekend when they traveled to Florida to battle the #1 Gators. Auburn is good, yes, but there are still a few things that they need to improve on before they can achieve greatness.

Even though Auburn played well enough to win two out of three games in Gainesville, Florida proved why they are the top-rated team in the country. Great pitching and the ability to capitalize on even the smallest mistakes were what separated them from Auburn. Still, the Tigers have a lot to look forward to. Edouard Julien and Steven Williams continue to hit the ball well, Casey Mize is still Casey Mize, and the law firm of Tanner Burns and Cody Greenhill continue to dominate the mound on Saturdays.

Auburn has another chance to make noise this weekend against Vanderbilt

Scouting the ‘Dores

Vanderbilt comes into Plainsman Park with a 25-19 record, 11-10 in the SEC. The Commodores have struggled recently, winning only two of their last seven contests, including two-straight SEC series losses to Missouri and South Carolina and a mid-week loss to Louisville.

The weekend pitching trio of Drake Fellows, Patrick Raby, and Mason Hickman have combined to strike out 139 batters and have a 3.55 combined ERA. Fellows leads in strikeouts with 75 and has allowed only two home runs to opponents. Raby has allowed only 14 earned runs, and Hickman, a freshman, brings a 7-1 record into the weekend.

According to Adam Sparks of the Tennessean, the Commodores leading batter could return to the lineup this weekend. J.J. Bleday has been sidelined due to a severely strained oblique muscle over the last five weeks, but has taken batting practice over the last few days, says Vandy head coach Tim Corbin. Bleday was batting .372 with three home runs and eight RBI before suffering the injury. At the time of this post, Bleday’s status is “game-time decision” for the three-game series against Auburn.

Ethan Paul leads the Commodores in home runs (8), and RBI (37), Pat DeMarco leads the team in hits (52), and Austin Martin leads in average (.342).

How to watch, How to listen

All three games between Auburn and Vanderbilt will be available on SEC Network+, as part of WatchESPN on your computer, or mobile device with Andy Burcham and Chris Morrison providing the call. Auburn Sports Network coverage with Rod Bramblett and Paul Ellen will begin 15 minutes prior to first pitch with analysis and an interview with Coach Butch Thompson. Click here to find your local Auburn Sports Network affiliate, or listen to this weekend’s call on the TuneIn Radio app, just search “Auburn Sports Network”