Auburn Claims Series With 7-3 Win
May 25, 2016
* Official Statistics (PDF)
AUBURN, Ala. - Auburn (18-21, 6-9 SEC) scored twice in the fifth andadded two more in the seventh Sunday afternoon to post aseries-clinching 7-3 win over No. 8 Mississippi State (26-9, 7-7 SEC) atPlainsman Park.
Andy Bennett went 2-for-4 and drove in three runs and juniorright-hander Chris Dennis allowed just one earned run in his five-inningstint for the Tigers.
Both teams plated single runs in the opening inning. Jeffrey Reasingled through the right side to open the game, moved to second on apassed ball and went to third on an infield groundout. Thomas Berkerythen drew a walk, and Rea scored the game's first run when Stateexecuted a double steal.
MSU starter John Lalor retired the first two batters he faced to openthe game, then gave up a game-tying solo home run by Mike Bianucci, hissixth roundtripper of the season.
State tied the score with a run in the fourth when lead-off batterThomas Berkery was hit by a pitch, Brian LaNinfa moved him into scoringposition and Jeff Butts followed with a run-scoring single to right. TheTigers avoided further damage when LaNinfa was picked off at secondbase.
Auburn answered with a run in the bottom of the fourth. Luke Greinkereached on a fielding error, stole second and scored on RussellDixon's double into the left-center gap.
Tiger junior right-hander Chris Dennis walked two batters and gave up asingle to Jeffrey Rea to load the bases. But Dennis got Mitch Morelandto ground out to end the threat and close out his five-inning moundstint.
Auburn parlayed a walk, a hit batsman, a bunt single and a Bulldogthrowing error to plate two runs in the fifth, and added two more runsin the seventh with three hits and another Bulldog fielding error. AndyBennett delivered the key blow, a two-run single that extended theAuburn lead to 7-3.
Dennis (2-3) got the win, allowing two runs (one earned) on four hitswith three walks and four strikeouts. Peter Wiggins held MSU scorelessover three innings and Luke Greinke worked the ninth, giving up anunearned run when JeffButts doubled and came home when MichaelRutledge's fly ball was dropped by shortstop Justin Bristow.
John Lalor took the loss for State, scattering eight runs and allowingfive runs (three earned) with two walks and four strikeouts over sixinnings. Chad Crosswhite gave up two runs (one earned) in an inning ofrelief while Justin Pigott retired the three batters he faced in theninth.
Jeffrey Rea, Brian LaNinfa and Jeff Butts had two hits each for theBulldogs while Andy Bennett, Luke Greinke and Russell Dixon had two-hitafternoons to lead Auburn's 11-hit attack.
State travels to Memphis for a pair of midweek games, testing theTigers Tuesday at 6:30 p.m,. Tuesday and 7 p.m. Wednesday to close out asix-game stay on the road.