Tigers Outduel Tech: Auburn’s Resilience Shines in Top-25 Clash
When two nationally-ranked powerhouses collide in a midweek non-conference battle, the stakes often transcend simple win-loss columns. Pride, momentum, and national perception are all on the line. That was the case on April 9, 2025, when the No. 9 Auburn Tigers ventured into enemy territory and escaped with a gritty, hard-fought 9–8 victory over the No. 15 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Russ Chandler Stadium in Atlanta. What followed was a rollercoaster of momentum swings, high-leverage situations, and individual brilliance that illustrated why both programs are considered elite in college baseball.
Setting the Stage
Heading into the contest, Auburn was riding high with a 28–9 overall record, having already claimed series wins over SEC heavyweights like LSU and Florida. Georgia Tech, no slouch themselves, boasted a 25–11 mark and had been equally lethal at the plate with one of the ACC’s most explosive offenses. Fans anticipated a slugfest — and that’s exactly what they got.
The Tigers entered the matchup with one of the deepest and most dangerous lineups in the country, anchored by sophomore phenom Ike Irish and senior sparkplug Kason Howell. Georgia Tech countered with a potent combination of veteran hitters and young arms, hoping to defend home turf and boost their postseason résumé.
First-Inning Blitz
Auburn wasted no time quieting the home crowd. In the top of the first, the Tigers’ offense roared to life. A leadoff single by Irish set the tone, followed by back-to-back RBI doubles from Cooper Weiss and Justin Kirby. The onslaught continued as catcher Nate LaRue punched a liner into right field, plating two more runs. Before Georgia Tech could record the third out, Auburn had jumped out to a commanding 4–0 lead.
It was a statement inning — one that reinforced the Tigers’ identity as an aggressive, fast-starting club. Head coach Butch Thompson praised his team’s approach early on: “We were locked in. We knew we’d need to come out swinging, and I thought we executed our plan beautifully.”
The Yellow Jackets Respond
But Georgia Tech wouldn’t fold. Their hitters began to time Auburn starter John Armstrong, scratching across a run in the third and another in the fourth to cut the deficit in half. Then came the sixth — an inning that nearly unraveled Auburn’s hopes.
In a stunning offensive surge, the Yellow Jackets exploded for six runs. It began innocently enough with a pair of singles, followed by a walk to load the bases. Auburn’s bullpen faltered, issuing back-to-back walks to force in runs, then surrendering a towering three-run homer by Tech slugger Kevin Parada. The Jackets took a 7–5 lead, and momentum had clearly swung.
Auburn’s Answer: Calm in Chaos
Many teams would’ve folded. Auburn didn’t. Instead, they showed why they’ve become one of the most dangerous squads in the country.
“We’ve been in that spot before,” said Irish. “No panic. Just play our game.”
In the top of the seventh, Auburn clawed back. Eric Guevara, pinch-hitting in a key spot, stroked a single into left, scoring Weiss. A sacrifice bunt and a wild pitch later, Auburn tied the game at 7–7. In the eighth, with two outs and a runner in scoring position, Terrell Tatum delivered the game’s most clutch hit — a laser to right field that scored the go-ahead run.
In the ninth, Irish provided a critical insurance run with a solo blast — his 14th of the season — pushing the lead to 9–7. It proved to be the difference.
The Final Push: Dylan Watts Slams the Door
On the mound, Dylan Watts was electric. Tasked with holding a narrow lead in the most pressure-packed innings of the game, the junior right-hander delivered. Over 3.1 innings of relief, Watts struck out five batters, worked around two hits, and allowed just one earned run. He earned his third win of the season and secured Auburn’s 29th victory.
“He gave us everything we needed,” Thompson said of Watts. “It’s easy to forget this was a midweek game with all the intensity out there. Dylan treated it like Omaha.”
The Tigers did allow one final run in the ninth, but a sharply turned 4-6-3 double play ended the threat, sealing a 9–8 triumph.
Offensive Stars
- Ike Irish: 3-for-4, HR, 2 RBI, 2 runs — once again proving why he’s among the top draft prospects in the country.
- Cooper Weiss: 2-for-4, 2 doubles, 2 runs scored — provided key spark early.
- Terrell Tatum: 1-for-2, go-ahead RBI — the clutch gene on full display.
- Eric Guevara: RBI pinch-hit — showing the depth of Auburn’s bench.
Every player in the lineup either reached base or contributed to run production, a hallmark of Auburn’s balanced offensive approach.
What It Means for Auburn
Beating a ranked opponent on the road is never easy. Doing so in a dramatic, see-saw battle just three days after an emotional SEC series? Even harder.
This win bolsters Auburn’s case for a top-eight national seed in the NCAA Tournament and shows voters and analysts that the Tigers can win in a variety of ways — not just blowouts or pitching duels, but grind-it-out slugfests as well.
“We proved a lot tonight,” said Irish postgame. “You don’t win championships in April, but these are the games that build character. We’ll be better because of it.”
What’s Next
The Tigers return home for a pivotal SEC series against Arkansas, which looms large for conference standings. Then comes the stretch run: SEC Tournament play and ultimately the NCAA Tournament, where Auburn expects to be among the top seeds hosting a regional.
For Georgia Tech, the loss stings, but it’s hardly a setback. They remain in strong position within the ACC and will use the game as a measuring stick.
Coach’s Corner
Butch Thompson spoke at length about the win in his postgame press conference, calling it one of the most satisfying victories of the year.
“I’ve been doing this a long time,” he said. “And there’s just something about the grit this group has. They don’t flinch. I love coaching this team.”
He was especially pleased with how the Tigers handled adversity after surrendering the lead.
“When you give up a six-spot in the sixth inning and still come out with a win? That’s toughness. That’s chemistry. That’s Auburn baseball.”
The April 9 thriller was more than just a win. It was a snapshot of what makes college baseball great — passion, drama, heart, and young athletes rising to the moment.
For Auburn, the victory was another chapter in what is shaping up to be a historic season. They’ve beaten powerhouses, survived slugfests, and now look ready to make noise deep into June. If they can channel the spirit of this win into postseason play, don’t be surprised to see the Tigers back in Omaha, chasing a national title.
