AUBURN, Ala. – No. 17 Auburn (10-3) hosts Chicago State (2-11) in its final non-conference series of the season this weekend. First pitch in Friday's series opener is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT. Game two is set for Saturday at 2 p.m. and the series finale will take place Sunday at 1 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. The games will also be broadcast on SEC Network+.
PROBABLE STARTERS
Friday – Jr. RHP Tanner Burns (2-1, 3.52) vs. Jr. RHP Dylan Cumming (0-3, 4.58)
Saturday – Jr. LHP Jack Owen (2-1, 3.60) vs. Sr. LHP Rodny Valdes (1-2, 1.99)
Sunday – R-Jr. LHP Bailey Horn (2-1, 3.18) vs. Jr. LHP Vinnie Venturi (1-2, 4.67)
QUICK HITTERS
Auburn won five games in a span of six game by outscoring its opponents 55-14 last week.
The Tigers currently lead the SEC in doubles (37), are tied for the league lead in hits (149), rank second in batting average (.330) and scoring (9.4) and third in runs scored (122).
The team's 149 hits are the most through 13 games since 2010 (171) and the fourth most in the country this season. The Tigers have eight games with 10 or more hits.
Auburn is hitting .365 and is outscoring its opponents 116-22 in games won this year.
Eight players who have made six or more starts this season are hitting .333 or better.
The Auburn pitching staff has struck out 10 or more batters in all 13 games this season and ranks fifth in the country with 157 strikeouts.
The Tigers weekend rotation has gone 6-0 with a 2.48 ERA in series won this season.
SCOUTING THE COUGARS
Chicago State enters the weekend with a 2-11 overall record after a hard-fought loss at Illinois in the midweek.
The Cougars defeated Dartmouth and Indiana State in the final two games of the Snowbird Classic two weekends ago.
The team is hitting .226 and is led by junior infielder Richard Paulino's .370 clip. Andy Gaytan leads the team in power and run production with five doubles, one home run and five RBI. Paulino has hit two home runs and has also driven in five runs.
On the mound, the Cougars have turned in a 5.12 staff ERA. Senior lefty Rodny Valdes has made three starts and has posted a 1.99 ERA in 22.2 innings of work.
SERIES HISTORY
This weekend marks the first time Auburn and Chicago State have met.
FYI
Gates open one hour prior to first pitch.
Fans attending the Auburn baseball game are advised to park in the Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum lot, the Stadium Parking Deck off Heisman Drive, or the Athletics Complex Parking Deck.
The Stadium Deck is also available for game viewing.
There are two mobile device charging stations – one located next to the promotions booth on the main concourse and another in the Plainsman Patio presented by Kia of Auburn.
New for 2020, alcohol may be purchased in the Tiger Terrace. Any fan with a purchased game ticket may enter without a pass or additional ticket and purchase either beer or wine with proof of ID. Alcohol sales end after the top of the seventh. No alcohol may leave the Tiger Terrace, and outside food or drink is no longer permissible.
Grass areas around the park and adjacent parking lots are open for tailgating.
TICKETS
Mini plan and single game ticket options for the 2020 season are available. Fans can reach the Auburn ticket office by phone at 855-282-2010 or by emailing tickets@auburn.edu. To order tickets online, click here.