March 22, 2016
Ben Braymer did now allow a hit in 5.2 innings to get his second win. (Auburn Athletics Photo)
AUBURN, Ala. ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃƒÆ'¢'¬" Ben Braymer and Gordon Cardenas combined for a two-hit shutout as Auburn baseball secured a 11-0 win over Alabama State on Tuesday night at Plainsman Park.
"Ben Braymer, that was good for him to put him in that role," Auburn head coach Butch Thompson said. "He's always been used to starting and getting him into the sixth inning and cutting him off around 75 (pitches), maybe we can start thinking about that conference weekend."
Joshua Palacios had four hits and two stolen bases as the Tigers tied their season high with 21 hits. Anfernee Grier had three hits including his sixth home run of the season. Blake Logan was 3-for-4 with a season-high four RBI.
Making his first start of the season, Braymer (W, 2-2) pitched 5.2 innings and did not allow a hit. He struck out four with two walks. Cardenas pitched the final 3.1 innings and allowed two hits with three strikeouts to earn his first career save.
Auburn scored in five different innings to record double-digit runs for the ninth time in 2016.
Niko Buentello had two hits and drove in a run for his 34th RBI of the season. Every Auburn starter had at least one hit.
Melvin Gray had three hits and a RBI. Daniel Robert and Damon Haecker both had two hits.
Alabama State's Darren Kelly (1-1) took the loss. The Hornets used six pitchers on the night.
Auburn is in action next on Friday when it opens a three-game SEC series at No. 20 Arkansas.