AUBURN, Ala. – In the first of four games at Plainsman Park this week, Auburn (20-15-1) hosts Samford (21-15) Tuesday at 6 p.m. CT.
Up Next:
vs. Samford
Tuesday, Apr. 18, 2023
6 p.m. CT
TV: SEC Network
Radio: Auburn Sports Network
"This is one of those movement weeks where we have to start putting stuff together," head coach Butch Thompson said. "There's no more time to keep building up. It's getting to now-or-never to start playing good baseball, and at home is the way to get it going."
The game is the first of two in the midweek series between the in-state foes with the second taking place at Hoover Met Stadium on Tuesday, May 9.
The game will air nationally on SEC Network. It will also be broadcast on the Auburn Sports Network and can be heard locally on 93.9 FM.
PROBABLE STARTERS
Tuesday – Fr. LHP Zach Crotchfelt (0-2, 5.74) vs. So. RHP Jacob Newman (2-1, 9.00)
QUICK HITTERS
Auburn is 7-2 in midweek games this season and has outscored the opponent 86-48.
The Tigers won seven straight midweek games to start the year but have dropped the last two contests at UAB and Georgia Tech in walk-off fashion.
The team has won eight straight midweek games at home dating back to Mar. 29, 2022.
Auburn is hitting .338 with 106 hits, including 34 extra-base hits, in midweek games.
The Tigers have registered double digit hits in seven of nine midweek games and are 13-3-1 when recording 10 or more hits in a game this season.
The team is 15-6-1 at home this year and has won 28 of its last 37 games at Plainsman Park dating back to last year (28-8-1; .770).
Kason Howell is set to make his 225th career start in Tuesday's game. he ranks third in program history in doubles (65), eighth in at bats (827) and ninth in games played (226).
Auburn is 76-25-1 all-time against Samford, including 46-13-1 against the Bulldogs at home.
The Tigers have won five of the eight meetings between the two teams in head coach Butch Thompson's tenure, including three of four at Plainsman Park.
SCOUTING THE BULLDOGS
Samford enters the week with a 21-15 overall record and sits atop the Southern Conference standings with a 7-2 record in league play.
The Bulldogs are coming off a sweep vs. Toledo and are 15-5 in their least 20 games dating back to Mar. 15.
Offensively, the team is hitting .276 with 60 doubles and 50 home runs and are led by a pair of everyday players in Stephen Klein and Jayden Davis hitting .370 and .358, respectively.
On the mound, the Bulldogs have turned in a 5.80 staff ERA with 304 strikeouts and 168 walks in 299.2 innings.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Gates open one hour prior to first pitch.
Fans are encouraged to park in the athletics complex parking deck, coliseum lot, Neville Arena lot and stadium parking deck.
All transactions for concessions, merchandise and tickets will be contactless and cashless (credit/debit and Tiger Cards only).
In addition to the home plate concessions, Chick-fil-A will be available on the patio located down the first base line and in the Tiger Terrace down the left field line, excluding Sundays.
A pop-up Auburn Team Shop will be located inside the gates behind home plate.
Auburn Athletics will continue to provide digital tickets for the 2023 baseball season. Digital tickets help to increase convenience, flexibility and safety for fans on gamedays. Click here for more information on digital tickets.
BARK IN THE PARK REGULATIONS
Each fan who brings their dog must turn in a completed Bark in the Park waiver form upon entry to the stadium. Completed forms will be taken at the right field gate.
Waiver forms will be available at the right field gate on Tuesday.
All Bark in the Park participants must enter at the right field gate off Donahue Dr. Participants may not enter at the main gate or at the Tiger Terrace gate.
Dogs are not allowed in the Tiger Terrace.
Participants are limited to one dog per person. Each dog must be on a leash at all times upon entry to Plainsman Park.
A Comfort Zone will be located in the green space directly in front of the indoor hitting facility. A water station with waste bags will be provided.
Participants may bring pet supplies, water bowl, treats, etc.
For fans who do not wish to sit next to a dog, please go to the ticket booth located at the front gate for seating relocation.
Participants may not enter prior to 5 p.m., one hour prior to first pitch.
Dogs are allowed in the Plainsman Patio tent.