Five key stats in Auburn's win over Central Connecticut State

USA Today

3 days ago

Five key stats in Auburn's win over Central Connecticut State Five key stats were key to the Tigers 9-5 win on Friday night.
The Auburn Tigers defeated the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils 9-5 on Friday night to start the NCAA Baseball Tournament. It was a packed house at Plainsman Park that saw the Tigers take the victory. The game was not easy, though.
Auburn got off to a 4-0 start, but starting pitcher Cam Tilly had struggles early before being relieved. Tilly allowed two runs before being relieved by Carson Myers in the second inning. The four runs scored by the Tigers proved to be the difference. Auburn will now play Stetson on Saturday at 8 p.m. CT.
Here are five key statistics that were key to the Auburn victory on Friday night.
Cam Tilly Struggles
Even though Tilly did not give up any runs in the first inning, it was a struggle for the starting pitcher. The Blue Devils were able to load the bases before Auburn escaped without giving up any runs. He gave up two runs in the second before giving way to Myers. The Blue Devils started the second inning when outfielder Gianno Merlonghi singled to right field. Tilly would then walk Antonio Ducatelli and Kyle Gordon to make the bases loaded. Catcher Matt Falk would then single to drive in Ducatelli and Merlonghi to make the score 4-2 in favor of Auburn. Tilly would then give way to Myers to end his evening on the mound. In less than two innings, Tilly gave up five hits and walked two batters.
Four-run First Inning
The Auburn bats were needed in the game with Tilly struggling early. They gave the pitchers an early 4-0 lead to help. The Tigers loaded the bases to set everything into motion. Eric Guevara and Cooper McMurray walked, and in between Ike Irish hit a double. Singles by Lucas Steele, Eric Snow, and Bub Terrell resulted in runs scored and a 4-0 lead.
Carson Myers Settles In
Myers pitched six innings after coming in relief for Tilly. He faced 27 batters and struck out nine in the game. He did allow six hits but only gave up one run. "I thought when Carson got in the ball game, he just got better and better each inning. And I thought he was a huge difference in the ball game tonight, to steady us, let us reset, settle into the tempo of the game," said Butch Thompson after the game. Parker Carlson would enter the game in the eighth inning to close the game.
Lucas Steele Home Run
The game was tied at four as the Tigers were up to bat in the third inning. Steele would hit a home run to give Auburn a lead they would never give up. "Yeah, I mean, I think I was leading off the inning, and at that point it was just to get base runners on," said Steele following the game. "The intention was to never hit a home run, but, you know, I got that pitch, and I guess it was a big momentum change to be able to take that lead and keep that lead throughout the game." Auburn would then add three more runs by Eric Snow, Chase Fralick, and Bub Terrell to end the inning up 8-4.
Bub Terrell's Big Game
Bub Terrell had a big game for the Tigers on Friday night. Terrell had two hits and three RBIs to help led Auburn to a win. He also scored a run and reached base by a walk. His final run batted in was when he flied out in the fourth that resulted in Snow scoring a run.
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