AUBURN, Ala. – No. 6 Auburn (10-2) wraps up its non-conference series by hosting Winthrop (10-2) this weekend at Plainsman Park. First pitches are scheduled for Friday and Saturday at 6 p.m. CT and Sunday at 1 p.m.
The games will be broadcast on the Auburn Sports Network and can be heard locally on Wings 94.3 FM Friday and Sunday and ESPN 106.7 FM Saturday. The series will also be broadcast digitally on SEC Network+.
“We’re definitely continuing that trend of trying to play some of the best baseball in the country,” head coach Butch Thompson said. “Winthrop comes in here winning eight games in a row. They’re 10-2. They’ve absolutely pitched it. They’ve stolen bases. They’ve reached base at a high rate. They present a ton of challenges.
“Much like last weekend, we’re seeing a team that’s playing well,” Thompson added. “They come in here playing very good baseball.”
A limited number of general admission single-game tickets and Hall of Fame Club access passes remain available and can be purchased here.
PROBABLE STARTERS
Friday – So. LHP Jake Marciano (1-0, 1.69) vs. Jr. RHP Brayden Gilley (3-0, 2.20)
Saturday – So. LHP Jackson Sanders (1-0, 4.70) vs. Jr. LHP Luke Earnhardt (2-0, 2.93)
Sunday – R-So. RHP Alex Petrovic (3-0, 2.40) vs. So. RHP Randy Guzman (0-1, 5.27)
QUICK HITTERS
Auburn has won 11 straight regular season home series dating back to the final series of 2024.
It marks the longest regular season home series winning streak since 1998-2000 (13).
The Tigers have won 16 of 19 regular season series dating back to the final two series of the 2024 season, good for the second most in the league (Texas, 17) during the span.
The pitching staff has struck out 152 batters and issued 28 walks through 12 games.
The 152 strikeouts are the most through 12 games since 1997 (157) and the 28 walks allowed are the fewest through 12 games since 2001 (27).
The Tigers have struck out 10 or more batters in 11 of 12 games, including seven straight.
The weekend rotation of Jake Marciano, Jackson Sanders and Alex Petrovic has a 73-5 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 46.1 innings pitched.
Starting pitchers have turned in 5.0 or more innings in 10 of 12 games this season.
Auburn holds a 7-2 record in the all-time series vs. Winthrop, including a 6-2 mark at home.
This weekend marks the first time the two programs have played since 2000.
SCOUTING THE EAGLES
Winthrop enters the weekend with a 10-2 overall record while riding an eight-game winning streak during which it has outscored the opponent 72-31.
Offensively, the Eagles are hitting .275 as a team and are led by Gabe Natividad’s .395 clip. Jaylen Hernandez leads the team with four home runs and 16 RBI.
On the mound, Winthrop has turned in a 3.45 staff ERA with 106 strikeouts and 36 walks in 107.0 innings pitched. The weekend rotation is a combined 5-1 with a 3.38 ERA and 53 strikeouts over eight walks in 45.1 innings pitched.
Former Auburn outfielder Mike Bello (2022-23) returns to the Plains as the team’s director of player development and first base coach.
PROMOTIONS & GIVEAWAYS
This weekend has been branded the Go Wild War Eagle Weekend, presented by YETI.
Friday – Beverage barrel giveaway
Saturday – Floral hat giveaway
Sunday – YETI raffle; scan the QR code at the promotions booth at all Auburn athletics events this weekend to boost your chance to win a YETI price pack (must be in attendance at Sunday’s game to win).
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
For a one-stop show for all things surrounding an Auburn baseball game at Plainsman Park, visit the revamped Auburn baseball gameday page.
Specific to this weekend, the Neville Arena parking lot will be reserved for gymnastics parking pass holders beginning at 4 p.m. Friday.