AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn (27-17, 10-11 SEC) begins an eight-game homestand with a three-game series against in-state rival Alabama (26-19, 5-16 SEC) Friday through Sunday at Plainsman Park.
First pitch in the series opener Friday is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT and will be followed by game two Saturday at 7 p.m. and the series finale Sunday at 3 p.m.
This weekend'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. Friday's game will be broadcast on SEC Network+, and the final two games of the series will air on SEC Network.
PROBABLE STARTERS
Friday – So. LHP Jack Owen (3-0, 0.53) vs. Sr. RHP Sam Finnerty (6-5, 3.74)
Saturday – Fr. LHP Brooks Fuller (2-2, 3.13) vs. R-Jr. RHP Brock Love (4-4, 5.11)
Sunday – TBA vs. TBA
QUICK HITTERS
Auburn is 18-6 at home this season, including 6-3 in SEC games. The Tigers have won 14 of the last 16 home series dating back to the regular season finale in 2017.
The Auburn pitching staff has turned in a 2.92 ERA, 2.76 strikeout-to-walk ratio and .219 batting average against at home this season.
Jack Owen is set to make his first start since Mar. 16 on Friday. Owen is 2-0 with a 0.45 ERA in three starts this season. He has struck out 21 batters without issuing a walk in 20.0 innings.
Judd Ward has multiple hits in seven of the last 14 games, including a trio of three-hit efforts. He is hitting .393 (22-for-56) with 14 runs and six doubles during the span.
Matt Scheffler has a hit in 11 straight SEC games and is hitting .341 (14-for-41) during the span.
SCOUTING THE CRIMSON TIDE
Alabama enters the weekend with a 26-19 overall record and is 5-16 in conference play after dropping two of three games against LSU last weekend.
The Crimson Tide rank 10th in the conference with a .263 batting average and are 13th with a .219 clip in SEC play. The offense is paced by Kolby Robinson's .314 clip, while Tyler Gentry leads the way with 10 home runs and 33 RBI.
On the mound, Alabama has turned in a 3.80 ERA, which ranks sixth in the league. However, the team's 6.02 ERA in conference play is 13th in the SEC.
SERIES HISTORY
Auburn trails Alabama, 162-132, in the all-time series that dates back to 1896. However, the Tigers hold a 59-55 advantage in games played at Plainsman Park.
Auburn swept Alabama in Tuscaloosa for the first time since 1976 and outscored the Crimson Tide by a combined score of 44-10 in the three-game series a season ago.
The Tigers are looking for back-to-back series wins against Alabama for the first time since 2003-04.
PROMOTIONS
Friday – Postgame fireworks
Saturday – Foam glove giveaway
Sunday – Postgame autographs
FYI
Gates open one hour prior to first pitch.
Due to graduation ceremonies Saturday and Sunday there will be no RV parking allowed in the Coliseum lot this weekend. Fans bringing an RV will need to park in the Hayfields.
Additionally, the Arena lot will be closed for graduation ceremonies. Fans attending baseball are encouraged to leave early to allow time for parking. The Old Track will be open for fans both days to allow extra parking.
For Friday night's fireworks show, fans are asked to not park in the Graves Drive/Duncan Drive lot adjacent to Allison Lab. The fireworks will be shot from the parking lot at the Chill Water plant on Duncan Drive.
The Stadium Deck is also available for game viewing.
A cell phone charging station is available to fans near the front gate adjacent to the promotions booth.
Grass areas around the park and adjacent parking lots are open for tailgating.