Feb. 23, 2008
AUBURN, Ala. -
Freshman lefty Cory Luckie surrendered just two hits in 5.0 innings of work while his teammates pounded out 12 runs on 14 hits as Auburn downed ETSU, 12-1, on Saturday afternoon at Plainsman Park. Freshman Hunter Morris led the Auburn offense from the clean-up spot, going 3-for-4 with a walk and three RBI as Auburn improved to 2-0.
"Cory had everything going for him today. He kept them off balance, throwing the breaking ball for strikes, the change-up was good and he located his fastball. He really pitched well," Auburn Head Coach Tom Slater said.
"My goal was my first strike and when I got that out of the way I felt great," Luckie said. "I am more of a location-type guy, and that's what I live off of."
Luckie (1-0) surrendered a one-out hit in the first and then went 4.0 innings before allowing another hit to ETSU as the Auburn offense built a 10-0 lead through the first four innings.
After scoring a run on a Joseph Sanders (1-for-2, 2B) sacrifice fly in the first, Auburn poured it on in the second, scoring four runs on five hits, including RBI singles by Ryan Jenkins (2-for-5, 2B) and Morris and a sac fly by Luke Greinke (0-for-3).
Two innings later the Auburn offense got right back to work as it scored five runs on another five hits with Mike Bianucci (1-for-3, 2 BB), Morris and Sanders hitting back-to-back-to-back doubles to knock out ETSU starter Josh Means (0-1) in the bottom of the fourth.
"Hitting behind Mike, I am going to get every opportunity to see pitches and drive in runs, so I am really thankful for that," Morris said. "Yesterday I was anxious and out in front of everything. Today I was able to relax and it felt a lot better."
Scott Shuman and Bradley Hendrix worked a near-perfect final four innings for Auburn, allowing just one base runner while striking out three.
Auburn and ETSU (0-2) will play the third game of the four-game series at 3pm CT on Sunday. Sophomore righty Taylor Thompson gets the ball for Auburn while ETSU will send junior right-hander Ty Sarchet to the mound.