KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — After heavy rains halted game one between No. 5 Auburn and No. 7 Tennessee in the first inning, Tennessee looked to erase the 2-0 deficit when play resumed on Saturday.
However, the Tigers weathered the storm.
The No. 5 Auburn Tigers (32-14) defeated the No. 7 Tennessee Volunteers (36-10) 6-1 on Saturday in Knoxville as the Tigers kept their foot on the pedal despite the multiple delays.
The Tigers took an early lead on Friday night after a three-hour weather delay behind a first-inning two-run home run by Ike Irish. Play was stopped again after the top of the first and was moved to 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. When play resumed, it was more of the same for the Tigers as they completely dominated the Vols.
Ike Irish continued his tear against SEC pitching, recording a two-run blast on Friday night and driving in another on Saturday morning. Irish’s home run was his team-leading 12th, while first baseman Cooper McMurray and second baseman Chris Rembert also belted big flies of their own.
Auburn starter Samuel Dutton dazzled in this one, going six and two-thirds innings of one-run ball, further showing why he is Auburn’s Friday night starter. Dutton also struck out eight Volunteer batters, as the LSU transfer right-hander had most of his pitches working and held the Volunteers in check offensively. Ryan Heltzer recorded his seventh save of the season, going two and a third innings without allowing a run.
The Tigers and Volunteers will have a quick turnaround for game two, as it starts 45 minutes after the conclusion of game one. The Tigers will look to win the series and try to secure as hosts for an NCAA regional. You can watch game two on SECN+ or on the ESPN app and listen on the Auburn Sports Network.
