AUBURN, Ala. – No. 12 Auburn (18-2, 3-0 SEC) begins a stretch of eight straight games away from Plainsman Park with a contest at UAB (10-10, 0-3 C-USA) Tuesday evening. First pitch at Regions Field is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT.
Tuesday's action can be heard locally on WTGZ-FM (93.9), online at AuburnTigers.com, or on a mobile device via the Auburn Athletics app. The game will also be available for viewing at C-USA.TV.
PROBABLE STARTERS
Tuesday – Fr. LHP Garrett Wade (3-0, 0.64) vs. R-Sr. RHP Tyler Gates (1-0, 4.60)
QUICK HITTERS
Auburn is riding a 13-game winning streak, which is tied for the second longest streak in the country and tied for the seventh longest streak in program history.
The Tigers have outscored their opponents 86-33 during its winning streak.
Auburn's 18-2 start is tied with the 1999 team for the third best 20-game start in program history. The Tigers started 19-1 a season ago, marking the first time in program history the team has started 18-2 or better in back-to-back seasons.
The Tigers lead the country in ERA (2.02) and are tied for the national lead in shutouts (six) - all of which came in a 10-game span.
Auburn also ranks in the top 10 in the country in walks allowed per nine innings (2.55), WHIP (1.02) and strikeout-to-walk ratio (3.81).
The Tigers have struck out 202 batters through 20 games. It marks the second highest strikeout total through 20 games in the Stat Crew era (1993). The 1997 team struck out 238 batters through 20 games and went on to set the single-season record with 629 strikeouts.
Auburn has stolen 37-of-41 bases this season, including 31 of its last 32 bases. The 11 stolen bases against Tennessee were the most in a weekend series in the Stat Crew era.
SCOUTING THE BLAZERS
UAB comes in at 10-10 after being swept on the road against Western Kentucky to open Conference USA play.
Auburn is the fourth SEC West opponent UAB has played this season. The Blazers were swept in a three-game series against Ole Miss and dropped midweek contest against Mississippi State and Alabama.
Offensively, the Blazers are hitting .276 and are led by redshirt junior infielder Zack Davis's .379 clip. Junior outfielder Colton Schultz leads the team in home runs (four), RBI (25), hits (28) and total bases (47).
Redshirt freshmen outfielder Jess Davis currently leads the country in stolen bases. The Kansas City, Mo. native has swiped 26 bags on 29 attempts.
On the mound, UAB has turned in a staff ERA of 5.00. Tuesday's starter Tyler Gates picked up his first win of the season in the Blazers last midweek contest, tossing 5.1 innings against Troy on Mar. 12.
SERIES HISTORY
Auburn holds a 49-10 all-time record in the series vs. UAB, including a 17-7 record on the road.
The Tigers won an 11-8 contest in the most recent matchup against the Blazers at Regions Field last season. Auburn also defeated UAB at Plainsman Park, 12-2.
The team has won 21 of the last 22 in the series dating back to 1996.