AUBURN, Ala. – Responding with resilience after a challenging loss against a formidable top-10 opponent and navigating late-night travel on Sunday, No. 14 Auburn showcased its strength by defeating Samford 12-3 Tuesday night at Plainsman Park.
"I couldn't be more pleased with how they carried themselves, their preparation, and execution during the game," Auburn head coach Butch Thompson said.
In a standout pitching performance, Conner McBride (1-0, 2.08) secured his first win for Auburn, delivering a solid 5.0 innings on the mound. McBride allowed only one run on two hits, displaying precise control with no walks and five strikeouts.
"I felt like I got the rust off last week, was able to get the first one out of the way, and was able to lock in today," McBride said on his performance.
The junior right-hander set an early tone by retiring the first 10 batters he faced and efficiently navigating through the Samford lineup. McBride's stellar outing, requiring just 63 pitches, demonstrated his command and effectiveness on the mound.
"McBride set the tone... He really took the sting out of the swing, and the guys played well behind him," Thompson said.
Offensively, Auburn's top hitters, Cooper Weiss, Ike Irish, Bobby Peirce, and Cooper McMurray, demonstrated their prowess, collectively going 7-for-11 with 10 runs scored and five RBIs. Weiss, in particular, showcased his speed and agility, matching a program record with four walks and stealing a single-game record four bases.
"A spark for us on the other side was Weiss... That brought good energy for our team," Thompson said about the impact of Weiss.
Weiss's dynamic performance contributed to Auburn's early lead, with the team securing three runs in the first inning. Peirce's RBI triple and McMurray's homer set the tone for the game.
Auburn's offensive onslaught continued in the third inning, as they added five more runs to extend their lead to 8-0. Despite a brief response from Samford, Auburn maintained control, adding to their lead with two more runs in the fourth inning.
The Tigers showcased depth and versatility, with contributions from various players throughout the game. Notably, Dylan Watts delivered a strong pitching performance, while Mason Maners provided additional run support with a home run.
Auburn's commanding performance secured the win against Samford and set the stage for a promising homestand. Looking ahead, the Tigers prepare for a three-game series against UConn at Plainsman Park.
As the team continues to build momentum, their resilience and determination are evident, setting high expectations for the remainder of the season.
