Auburn Surges Past Error-Prone Bulldogs, 7-5
AUBURN, Ala. -- Auburn scored six runs over the final four innings Friday night to erase a 5-1 deficit and claim a 7-5 win over Mississippi State in the opening game of the weekend series at Plainsman Park. The Tigers improved to 26-14, 8-8 in the SEC, while Mississippi State fell to 22-14-1 overall and 8-7 in league play. The teams meet again Saturday at 3 p.m. (CDT).
The Tigers scored a run in the first off MSU starter Paul Maholm, taking advantage of a pair of walks, the first of a season-high four errors and a two-out single by Scott Schade.
The Bulldogs, after being blanked for four innings by AU starter Eric Brandon, erupted for five runs and a 5-1 lead in the fifth. Chad Henry lashed a bases-loaded, two-out double to score three runs and Matthew Brinson followed with a two-run blast over the left field wall.
But the Bulldogs couldn't hold the lead. Auburn struck for two runs on a walk, three singles and an infield groundout in the fifth and parlayed a walk and back-to-back singles by Tug Hulett and Chuck Jeroloman to close to within a run at 5-4 in the sixth, ending Maholm's stint on the mound.
Jonathan Papelbon replaced Maholm in the seventh but quickly ran into problems. Papelbon hit the first batter he faced, Javon Moran, who then stole second and later scored the tying run on a single by Trent Pratt. A throwing error by Maniscalco and a fielding error on Schade's grounder at first base sent Pratt home with the got ahead run.
Hulett capped a 3-for-4 night and Auburn's scoring in the eight inning, opening the frame with a single to left off Brian Owens, the third of four pitchers used by the Bulldogs. Hulett advanced a base on a balk by Owens, a sacrifice bunt and an infield groundout to second base.
Mike Mueller who replaced AU starter Brandon with two out and a runner on base in the seventh. Mueller, who threw four pitches on the night, retired Brinson on a fly ball to centerfield. He earned the win when the Tigers took the lead in the bottom of the seventh. Steven Register retired the six batters he faced over the final two frames, four via strikeout, to preserve the lead and earn his first save.
Maholm, in his first no-decision appearance of the year, gave up four runs on seven hits and four walks while striking out five. Papelbon took the loss, allowing two runs and retiring just one of the four batters he faced in the seventh. Chris Young replaced Owens in the eighth and finished the game for MSU.
AUBURN 7, MISSISSIPPI STATE 5MSU (22-14-1, 8-7 SEC) 000 050 000 -- 5-7-4AU (26-14, 8-8 SEC) 100 021 21x -- 7-9-1WP -- Mike Mueller (2-1). LP -- Jonathan Papelbon (2-3).SV -- Steven Register (1). HR -- (MSU) Matthew Brinson (7).T -- 2:32. ATT -- 3,389.