No. 5 Auburn Starts Week on the Road vs. Samford: Tigers Look to Stay Hot

As the 2025 college baseball season enters its final month, the No. 5-ranked Auburn Tigers find themselves in a pivotal stretch, and it all begins this week with a road trip to Birmingham to face the Samford Bulldogs. With postseason implications on the horizon and the SEC race tightening, every game counts—and Tuesday night’s non-conference matchup could offer more than just a midweek tune-up.

Auburn, currently holding one of the top-five national rankings, has built a strong resume throughout the season, thanks to dominant pitching, timely hitting, and a deep, experienced roster. But as Head Coach Butch Thompson knows all too well, overlooking an in-state opponent like Samford is a risk the Tigers can’t afford to take.

Scouting the Tigers: A National Contender in Full Swing

Auburn enters this matchup riding a wave of momentum. With a current record of 35-10 and a 16-7 mark in SEC play, the Tigers have shown that they belong in the national championship conversation. A weekend sweep over then-No. 12 LSU helped bolster Auburn’s resume, and now they shift focus to maintaining consistency as the regular season winds down.

The heart of the Tigers’ success this year has been a balanced approach on both sides of the ball. Offensively, Auburn ranks among the top teams in the SEC in batting average, slugging percentage, and runs scored. Junior infielder Carter Wright has emerged as a leader in the lineup, hitting .342 with 12 home runs and 48 RBIs. Alongside him, outfielder Malik Green has continued to be a spark plug at the top of the order, boasting a .298 average with 22 stolen bases and exceptional range in the field.

On the mound, the Tigers’ pitching staff has been one of the most reliable in the country. Sophomore ace Drew Tatum, with a 2.71 ERA and 94 strikeouts in 82 innings, anchors a rotation that features depth and versatility. The bullpen, led by senior closer Mason Hollis, has locked down late-inning leads with consistency, combining power arms with strike-throwing precision.

Managing the Midweek: Why Samford Matters

Despite Samford being a non-conference opponent with a record hovering around .500, this game carries real significance for Auburn. Midweek games can often serve as trap games for top-tier programs, especially when sandwiched between emotionally draining weekend SEC matchups. For Auburn, maintaining rhythm and intensity will be crucial as they take on a motivated Bulldogs squad on the road.

Samford, while not nationally ranked, has been a resilient and competitive team this season. The Bulldogs sit at 24-20 overall and 11-7 in Southern Conference play. Coached by Tony David, now in his third year at the helm, Samford has built a strong identity around aggressive baserunning and situational hitting.

Playing in their home ballpark, Samford will look to take advantage of what could be a more experimental Auburn lineup. Head Coach Butch Thompson has often used midweek games to give younger players and bullpen arms valuable innings. That strategy, while beneficial for long-term depth, can sometimes create opportunities for upsets—especially against well-coached teams like Samford.

Keys to the Game: What to Watch For

1. Auburn’s Starting Pitching Plan
It’s likely that Auburn will not throw one of its weekend starters on Tuesday night. Instead, expect to see a mix of relievers and perhaps a freshman arm like Ryan Morgan or lefty Luke Carmichael getting the nod. Carmichael, in particular, has impressed in limited innings, showing a mid-90s fastball and a developing breaking ball. His ability to get through the first few innings unscathed will be a major storyline.

2. Samford’s Small-Ball Strategy
Samford has made a name for itself with aggressive play. With 70 stolen bases on the year and a team OBP of .354, the Bulldogs will likely test Auburn’s defense, especially if the Tigers start a less-experienced catcher behind the plate. Auburn must stay sharp, particularly up the middle, where shortstop Eli Monroe and second baseman Jaxon Hill have formed one of the SEC’s most dependable double-play tandems.

3. Bench Contributions
These midweek matchups often serve as auditions for bench players looking to earn postseason roles. Auburn could roll out players like utilityman Ben Hardy or freshman DH Caleb Rowe. Both have shown flashes, with Hardy batting .278 in spot starts and Rowe notching three home runs in 35 at-bats.

4. Avoiding the Letdown
It’s human nature for elite teams to experience an emotional drop-off in between high-stakes SEC series. Auburn must guard against complacency. Head Coach Butch Thompson has emphasized a “1-0 each day” mentality, and how well his team executes on that mindset will be evident in how they approach a scrappy Samford team.

Postseason Outlook: Every Game Counts

While Auburn is currently projected to be a top-8 national seed, the margin for error is slim. The NCAA selection committee values road wins, non-conference strength of schedule, and consistent play in all parts of the season—not just against top-tier SEC foes. A slip-up against a mid-major opponent like Samford, while not catastrophic, could weigh slightly against the Tigers when seeding time arrives.

That’s why this game matters. A clean, crisp win on the road helps Auburn stay sharp, keeps their RPI in a strong position, and builds confidence as they return to SEC play this weekend against a dangerous Ole Miss team. For the players, it’s also about keeping rhythm and avoiding rust during a busy stretch.

Samford’s Opportunity: A Statement Game

For Samford, this game represents more than just a chance to knock off an in-state powerhouse. It’s a statement opportunity. Wins like these have ripple effects—boosting program visibility, aiding in recruiting, and building momentum for their own postseason hopes.

Samford is currently fighting for position in the SoCon standings, and a win over Auburn could inject life into their final push. Players to watch include junior first baseman Trey O’Neal, who leads the team with 11 home runs, and sophomore right-hander Kyle Pierce, who could get the start against Auburn. Pierce, with a 3.89 ERA and a fastball that touches 91, will need to be sharp against a potent Tigers lineup.

Intangibles and Atmosphere

Expect a packed house at Joe Lee Griffin Stadium, Samford’s home field. Anytime an SEC power comes to town, the energy elevates, and for a program like Samford, these are the moments they circle on the calendar. For Auburn, staying composed in what could become a hostile environment will be a good test of mental toughness.

Moreover, games like this provide valuable pressure reps for players who may find themselves in postseason scenarios down the line. Crowd noise, close scores, and high-leverage situations are what define championship-ready teams.

Coach’s Corner: Thoughts from Butch Thompson

In a pregame media session, Coach Thompson spoke candidly about the importance of this matchup.

“We talk about identity all the time—who we are, how we play, no matter who’s on the other side,” Thompson said. “We know Samford will be ready. They always are. They’re well-coached, and they play clean baseball. For us, it’s about competing the same way we would against an SEC team.”

His message is clear: take nothing for granted.

Why This Game Matters More Than You Think

On paper, a midweek game between No. 5 Auburn and an unranked Samford team might not look like a headline-grabber. But in the landscape of college baseball, these are the games that define a team’s character. They test depth, discipline, and preparation. They offer young players chances to shine. And sometimes, they deliver surprise upsets that echo into June.

For Auburn, Tuesday night is about more than preserving a win streak. It’s about proving they can maintain focus and excellence against any opponent, in any environment. For Samford, it’s a shot at history—and every underdog relishes that role.

With just a few weeks left in the regular season, every game has a postseason feel. Auburn knows what’s at stake. Now it’s time to take care of business.