TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Auburn landed the first punch but Alabama scored in three of its last four innings to win the series finale 6-1 Sunday at Sewell-Thomas Stadium.
The Tigers placed runners in scoring position in each of the first three innings but were unable to bring them home. Auburn was 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position and hit into double plays in the seventh and eighth innings.
"A couple double plays were back-breaking in the game, momentum changers," Auburn coach Butch Thompson said. "They pitched well enough to win. We moderately pitched better but we've got to continue to grow."
In the top of the fourth, Chris Stanfield drew out a two-out, four-pitch walk, stole second and scored on Nate LaRue's single to left center for a 1-0 Auburn lead. Ike Irish and Caden Green also stole bases for the Tigers.
Auburn starter Christian Herberholz shut out Alabama for four innings.
"He was competitive," Thompson said. "He was around the zone, gave us everything he had."
When the first two batters reached in the fifth, Chase Isbell replaced Herberholz. A hit batter and a bases-loaded walk brought in a run, then Drew Williamson's two-run single gave Alabama a 3-1 lead.
Herberholz (0-3) allowed two runs in four innings, walked three and struck out four. Isbell pitched 1.1 innings, allowing one run. Hayden Murphy relieved Isbell in the sixth and struck out two to end the inning, stranding a runner.
When the first two batters reached in the bottom of the seventh, Tanner Bauman relieved Murphy and retired two before Alabama executed a double steal to take a 4-1 lead.
Bauman pitched 1.2 innings before giving up a two-out single and an RBI double in the bottom of the eighth. Chase Allsup recorded the final out after an inherited runner scored on a triple for the game's final run.
Riley Quick (1-1) pitched 3.2 scoreless innings to earn the victory for Alabama (26-11, 6-9 SEC). Alton Davis II struck out two in the ninth to record a save for the second straight game.
"You're playing your rival," Thompson said. "You've got to be able to wear it. If you're not where you want to be, you've got to keep fighting and keep going, take care of each other, keep practicing hard until we can grow, get better and be more competitive in this league."
The Tigers (20-15-1, 5-10 SEC) return to Plainsman Park Tuesday at 6 p.m. CT vs. Samford (21-15) before beginning the second half of SEC play at home Friday at 6 p.m. CT vs. Mississippi State (22-15, 5-10 SEC).
Auburn drops series finale in Tuscaloosa
