‘Hook it Up’: No. 11 Auburn Looks to Continue Home Success vs. Mississippi State
As the sun sets over Plainsman Park this weekend, the stakes will be higher than ever for both Auburn and Mississippi State. The Tigers, currently ranked No. 11 in the nation, are chasing a top seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Bulldogs, meanwhile, are clinging to the edge of postseason hope. What unfolds across three SEC games in Auburn, Alabama, will go beyond wins and losses—it’ll shape legacies, shift momentum, and showcase some of the conference’s best talent.
This isn’t just a series. It’s a statement.
AUBURN’S HOME-FIELD MAGIC
You don’t walk into Plainsman Park and expect an easy night.
Auburn has been nothing short of dominant at home in 2025. With a 19-5 overall home record and a sparkling 7-2 mark in SEC home games, the Tigers have turned their ballpark into a fortress. The outfield faithful are loud, the dugout is fiery, and from the first pitch to the final out, the intensity is palpable.
“Hook it up” has become more than a rallying cry for Auburn—it’s a call to action. A phrase that rings from dugouts, press boxes, and fans in the stands, encapsulating the team’s energy, hustle, and cohesion. It’s about connecting on all cylinders—pitching, hitting, fielding—and doing it as one unit.
SAMUEL DUTTON: THE ACE ON THE HILL
Every successful team needs a tone-setter. For Auburn, it’s senior right-hander Samuel Dutton.
With a 2.43 ERA—the lowest in the SEC—Dutton has been masterful. Especially at home, where in three SEC starts, he’s posted a 3-0 record and a jaw-dropping 0.90 ERA over 20 innings. His control, command, and composure have been elite.
In Friday’s opener, fans can expect Dutton to lead with his signature fastball-slider combo, backed by a curveball that’s helped him rack up strikeouts in key moments.
“He’s our horse,” said Auburn head coach Butch Thompson. “When Sam’s on the mound, we feel like we can beat anybody.”
Dutton will go head-to-head with Mississippi State’s own ace, Pico Kohn, in a pitching matchup that promises fireworks.
IKE IRISH: BAT OF THE YEAR?
Offensively, Auburn has been carried by none other than catcher Ike Irish, who’s playing the best baseball of his life.
Irish is hitting .417 in SEC play with an outrageous .950 slugging percentage—both top in the league. His eight home runs in conference action are tied for the most in the SEC. But it’s not just power. It’s presence.
Irish is the heartbeat of Auburn’s lineup. He handles pitchers with precision, throws out runners with flair, and launches balls over the fence like he’s playing backyard whiffle ball.
Expect Mississippi State to pitch around him. Or at least try to.
MISSISSIPPI STATE: A TALE OF RESILIENCE
Don’t let the Bulldogs’ 6-12 SEC record fool you. This is a battle-tested team with bite.
Coming off a gritty series win against Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Mississippi State is showing signs of life at exactly the right time. Their 24-17 overall record doesn’t scream dominance, but it screams potential.
And with one of the best road offenses in the league, they’re more dangerous than they appear. The Bulldogs hit .302 overall, fifth in the SEC, and an impressive .285 in SEC play, second only to Auburn.
BULLDOGS TO WATCH
Gehrig Frei – Infield Assassin
Senior infielder Gehrig Frei is hitting a team-best .388, with a knack for clutch hitting and smooth glove work. He’ll be tested often by Auburn’s power arms, but Frei has made a habit of rising to the occasion.
Ace Reese – Power at the Plate
With 13 home runs and 48 RBIs, sophomore slugger Ace Reese is MSU’s main threat in the cleanup spot. He’s built like a linebacker and swings like one too.
Reese vs. Dutton in Game 1? That’s the kind of matchup SEC fans live for.
PICO KOHN: STATE’S LEFTY ACE
Junior Pico Kohn takes the hill Friday night with plenty of momentum. His 4-1 record and 3.29 ERA reflect consistency, but it’s his strikeout numbers that pop: 81 Ks in 54.2 innings—fifth in the SEC.
Kohn is a lefty with a deceptive delivery, pinpoint control, and a fastball that cuts like a knife. Auburn’s right-handed hitters will need to stay disciplined and avoid chasing offspeed pitches in the dirt.
Kohn knows what’s at stake. A quality outing against Auburn could elevate his draft stock—and give his team a much-needed road win.
LAST SEASON’S SWEEP: FUEL FOR AUBURN
In 2024, Mississippi State swept Auburn in Starkville, a low point that stuck with this year’s returning Tigers. Revenge isn’t the only motivator—but it’s a powerful one.
“Last year hurt,” said Auburn outfielder Bobby Peirce. “They punched us in the mouth, and we didn’t answer. This year, we’re answering.”
Expect Auburn to come out swinging. Expect intensity from the first pitch. Expect “Hook it up” to echo louder than ever.
THE MENTAL GAME: PRESSURE AND POSTSEASON HOPES
For Auburn, this series is a critical step toward securing a top-eight national seed in the NCAA Tournament, which would guarantee hosting through the Super Regionals.
For Mississippi State, it’s survival.
At 6-12 in conference play, they’re on the bubble for the NCAA Tournament. A road series win over a top-15 team like Auburn could swing the pendulum in their favor and rescue a season that has teetered on inconsistency.
Both teams feel the weight. One is chasing glory. The other is fighting for life.
THE MATCHUPS: POSITIONAL BREAKDOWN
| Position | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Starting Pitching | Auburn (Dutton is elite at home) |
| Bullpen | Mississippi State (deeper late-inning arms) |
| Infield Defense | Slight edge: Mississippi State |
| Outfield | Even |
| Power Hitters | Auburn (Irish + Peirce combo is lethal) |
| Base Running | Auburn (aggressive and efficient) |
This series could be decided by one or two moments. A botched double play. A missed bunt. A base-running gamble.
X-FACTORS
For Auburn:
- Justin Kirby, outfielder: He’s been heating up lately and could be the sneaky bat that flips a game.
- Closer Chase Allsup: If he shuts the door late, Auburn wins tight games.
For Mississippi State:
- DH Ross Highfill: His bat can erase deficits quickly.
- Freshman reliever Jake Sellers: If he holds leads, MSU has a real shot at the upset.
THE ENVIRONMENT: PLAINSMAN PARK READY TO ROCK
All three games will be streamed on SEC Network+, but the real experience? It’s in the stands.
Expect a sold-out crowd Friday. Expect the student section to bring energy. Expect the right field wall to be lined with signs, banners, and rowdy fans heckling Bulldog batters.
Auburn hasn’t lost a home SEC series all season. They don’t intend to start now.
THE STAKES
For Auburn:
- Improve to 30+ wins
- Keep pace with Arkansas, LSU for SEC title
- Host a Super Regional
For Mississippi State:
- Salvage season
- Gain NCAA Tournament consideration
- Prove they belong
PREDICTION
It’s going to be tight. Mississippi State will battle, and their offense is capable of stealing a game. But Auburn’s home-field dominance, pitching edge, and revenge factor are hard to bet against.
Series Prediction: Auburn 2, Mississippi State 1
GAME TIMES
- Friday, April 26 – 6 p.m. CT (Pico Kohn vs. Samuel Dutton)
- Saturday, April 27 – 6 p.m. CT
- Sunday, April 28 – 2 p.m. CT
Streaming: SEC Network+
WRAP-UP
When the dust settles, this series may be looked back on as a turning point for both programs. For Auburn, it’s a proving ground. For Mississippi State, it’s a last stand.
Either way, expect fireworks.
And if you’re in Auburn this weekend, remember: Hook it up.
