Takeaways from Auburn baseball's 6-4 loss versus Virginia
The Auburn Tigers wrapped their weekend in Jacksonville with a 6-4 loss to #10 Virginia on Sunday evening. Here's what you need to know from the contest:
We knew they weren't going to stay undefeated all season...
Auburn baseball's followed one of two patterns so far this season - domination from the first pitch, with two run-rule victories in their first six games, or a close, come-from-behind victory, like they did against #18 Iowa on Friday night.
Well, now we have a third variation, with Auburn playing a close matchup but seeing the ballpen falter late against Virginia. The Cavaliers put up five runs in the middle innings, victimizing Auburn's relief corp while also limiting Auburn's bats.
Two Tigers relievers combined to allow seven hits and four runs in the 5th, 6th, and 7th innings, striking out four and not allowing any walks, but allowing three extra base hits.
Conversely, Auburn got the leadoff hitter on base in all three of those innings but were unable to score more than one run, with only a 7th inning sacrifice pushing one across the plate.
Unlike most of the season, Auburn struggled to cash in their baserunners, stranding nine over the course of the contest and having more strikeouts (six) than walks (five).
But overall, it's a successful weekend
No, no one likes to lose. But losing happens in college baseball, and at least if you're going to lose in non-conference play, it's to a quality opponent.
Virginia went to the College World Series last year, going 50-15 and hosting Regionals/Super Regionals in Charlottesville, and is ranked somewhere between #10 and #14 nationally, depending on which poll you ask.
Conversely, multiple Omaha teams from last season have already dropped games they really shouldn't have, with #3 LSU losing to Stony Brook, St. John's beating #4 Florida, #15 Stanford dropping a doubleheader to Cal State Fullerton, and #1 Wake Forest losing to UNC Greensboro.
Auburn battled and came back to beat a nationally ranked Iowa squad and projected first round pick Brody Brecht on Friday night and then dominated Wichita State on Saturday before dropping Sunday's close contest.
Deric Fabian is making things difficult for this coaching staff
Fabian, who transferred into the program from Florida, couldn't pass Miami of Ohio transfer Cooper Weiss for the starting shortstop job and has been rotating in at third base with the returning Caden Green.
But Fabian, who went 3-4 with a homer on Sunday and is batting .412 on the season, has the 2nd best batting average on the entire roster with runners in scoring position at .455. Other than an Opening Day error, he's flashed fantastic defense at the hot corner and has the ability to cover both shortstop, second base, and the outfield.
What does Butch Thompson always talk about, like a mantra?
Dominate the routine play and collect timely hits. Fabian's done that so far this season.
Fabian and Green, playing second base, saw the field together for the first time on Sunday, with usual second baseman Javon Hernandez mired in a 1-17 slump. Green didn't collect a hit - he's 0-6 at the plate this season as the short side of the 3rd base platoon, although with two runs scored - but the duo has flashed plus defense and Fabian's brought plenty of offense as well.
I wouldn't be surprised if Fabian found his way into the everyday lineup rather soon and stayed there for the rest of the season, at this rate.
UPDATE: Peirce wins MVP for his weekend, while Fabian, Ike Irish, and Cooper McMurray all named to All-Tournament Team.
When do the Tigers play next?
Auburn baseball is back in action on Tuesday night against in-state foe Samford. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 PM CT from Plainsman Park. The game broadcast is available for streaming on SEC Network+ and the audio call can be found on the Auburn Tigers Radio Network.