April 15, 2012
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Vanderbilt pounced all over Auburn's pitching, jumping out to a six-run lead after four innings before cruising to an 11-2 win on Sunday afternoon in the rubber game of the three-game series. The loss dropped Auburn's record to 19-16, 7-8 SEC and into a four-way tie for sixth in the SEC at the midway point of the conference season. Vanderbilt is 16-20, 6-9 SEC.
"Today was a poor day for us," Auburn Head Coach John Pawlowski said. "You talk about where this game starts and it starts on the mound. The first three hitters we were behind 2-1, 3-1 and had a four-pitch walk. Right out of the gate we didn't pitch it today. We had some mental mistakes defensively, things that we have to address and correct. And then we didn't have too many opportunities offensively."
Vanderbilt jumped all over Auburn starter Daniel Koger (2-3), scoring four times off the freshman in two-plus innings. Vanderbilt's three-run second was highlighted by Anthony Gomez's two-run double off the top of the wall in left to put it up 3-0. Mike Yastrezemski then tripled to start the third, prompting Pawlowski to call on his bullpen for the final six innings.
Auburn's bullpen couldn't stop the bleeding as Jay Wade and Chase Williamson combined to allow seven runs (four earned) on nine hits and a walk in 3 2/3 innings.
Vanderbilt starter Kevin Ziomek (3-6) held Auburn to just two runs (one earned) on four hits and four walks, striking out seven in 6 2/3 innings.
Auburn finished the game with just six hits to 14 for Vanderbit. The top two in Vanderbilt's order, Tony Kemp and Gomez, were both 3-for-5 with two runs scored and they combined to drive in four of Vanderbilt's 11 runs.
Ryan Tella was 1-for-2 with two walks and an RBI while Creede Simpson was also 1-for-2 with a RBI for Auburn.
Auburn returns for a five-game home stand, beginning Tuesday at 6pm against Troy. Wednesday is Fan Appreciation Day as Auburn plays host to Alabama A&M in a rescheduled game from its original date of May 15. Wednesday's game has free admission.
Vanderbilt 11, Auburn 2 (Apr 15, 2012 at Nashville, TN)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Auburn.............. 000 100 100 - 2 6 1 (19-16, 7-8 SEC)
Vanderbilt.......... 031 313 00X - 11 14 1 (16-20, 6-9 SEC)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Win-Kevin Ziomek(3-6) Loss-Daniel Koger(2-3) T-2:35 A-3385
Follow Auburn baseball on twitter at twitter.com/AUTigerBaseball.