May 19, 2017
By Will Sahlie
AuburnTigers.com
AUBURN, Ala. - Needing a star performance in Auburn's final SEC regular season series, junior right-hander Keegan Thompson delivered.
Thompson pitched six no-hit innings, leading No. 23 Auburn to a 4-1 victory over Ole Miss in Thursday's series opener. He allowed just two walks and struck out eight before departing after a one hour, 13 minute lightning delay.
"I just thought he pitched like an ace tonight. Keegan Thompson was an ace," Auburn head coach Butch Thompson said.
"A ball club that needs him, we're trying to get to 15 conference wins for the second time since 2003, he took the ball and lightning was the only thing that could stop him tonight.
"With the six innings and the no hits, he just threw an unbelievable ballgame and I just think the timing of it makes it even more special where his ball club needed him so much."
It was Thompson's first scoreless start since March 24 at Georgia.
"I tried to work ahead with the fastball, and the slider was working for me tonight with two strikes," Keegan Thompson said. "They didn't really see the spin well, I don't think, and they were chasing some balls in the dirt with two strikes that allowed me to get the strikeouts.
"Losing the last two series, being 0-for the last two weekends, it was very important to come out and get a win tonight and get our confidence back. It's big-time for us, helping with our postseason chances."
In what could have possibly been his final start at Plainsman Park, Thompson delivered one of his best performances at Auburn.
"It was very nice," he said. "It's just kind of hard to explain. It's a special place here. Maybe, it being my last time on the mound here at home, it's a nice feeling to go out like that."
Auburn and Ole Miss will continue its series Friday night at 6 p.m. and will conclude Saturday at 1 p.m.