Auburn Baseball Notebook – April 28: Tigers Eye Postseason Push

As April draws to a close, the Auburn Tigers baseball team is firmly in the hunt for a top national seed in the NCAA Tournament, sitting comfortably within the top 10 rankings and showing the form of a team ready to make a deep postseason run. With the SEC race heating up and just a few series left before Selection Monday, Auburn’s recent performances, player development, and upcoming challenges are all coming under the microscope.

This week’s Auburn Baseball Notebook dives into the Tigers’ latest games, standout individual performances, injury updates, key stats, and what lies ahead as May approaches.

Recent Results and Recap

The Tigers wrapped up a crucial weekend series at Plainsman Park with a 2–1 series victory over Ole Miss, bouncing back after dropping Friday’s opener. Saturday and Sunday’s wins were fueled by sharp pitching, timely hitting, and a reinvigorated defensive effort that seems to be rounding into postseason form.

Game 1: Ole Miss 6, Auburn 3

Despite a solid outing from ace Drew Tatum, Auburn couldn’t overcome a sluggish offensive night. Tatum went 6 innings with 8 strikeouts but gave up a crucial three-run homer in the 5th that broke a 2–2 tie. The Tigers’ offense managed just seven hits and left nine runners on base.

Head Coach Butch Thompson remarked postgame:

“We didn’t do the little things well enough tonight—missed signs, base-running errors, and some defensive lapses. That’s not the baseball we’ve been playing, and I expect us to respond.”

Game 2: Auburn 7, Ole Miss 2

Respond they did. Sophomore Luke Carmichael got the start and threw 5 scoreless innings, scattering 3 hits and striking out 5. Auburn’s bats came alive in the middle innings, led by Carter Wright’s 3-for-4 performance, which included a two-run double and a solo homer. The bullpen closed the door with Mason Hollis picking up his 9th save of the year.

Game 3: Auburn 5, Ole Miss 4

Sunday’s rubber match was a classic SEC thriller. Auburn came back from a 4–1 deficit in the 7th, sparked by a pinch-hit RBI single from Ben Hardy, followed by a clutch 2-RBI double by freshman Caleb Rowe. The comeback win secured the Tigers’ 11th SEC series victory in the last 12 played at home.

Where Auburn Stands: SEC and National Picture

After this weekend’s results, Auburn holds a 36–11 overall record, with a 17–7 mark in SEC play, good enough for second in the SEC West behind Arkansas and third overall in the conference standings.

RPI and Seeding Outlook

• RPI Rank (as of Apr. 28): No. 4
• Projected NCAA Seed: National Seed (Top 8)
• SEC Tournament: Locked into double-bye position if current pace continues

While national polls vary, Auburn is consistently ranked in the 4–6 range, making them a near-lock for a regional host site and a strong contender for a Super Regional if they continue to handle business down the stretch.

Offensive Trends: A Balanced, Deep Lineup

Auburn’s offensive numbers remain among the best in the SEC, with the team averaging 6.8 runs per game and sporting a team batting average of .291. While they don’t lead the league in any one power category, their balance is the key.

Top Performers

• Carter Wright (3B) – .341 AVG, 13 HR, 52 RBI
  Wright continues to be the engine of the Auburn offense. His bat speed and plate discipline are attracting MLB scouts, and he’s now projected as a late first-round pick.
• Malik Green (CF) – .298 AVG, 22 SB, .422 OBP
  Green sets the table with speed and smart baserunning. His range in center field also saves countless runs defensively.
• Eli Monroe (SS) – .276 AVG, 14 doubles, .970 fielding %
  Monroe’s glove is gold-glove caliber, and his bat has turned the corner in SEC play, where he’s hitting .305.
• Caleb Rowe (DH/1B) – .313 AVG, 5 HR, .558 SLG (in limited at-bats)
  The freshman continues to make a case for an everyday role and may be Auburn’s best hitter against left-handed pitching.

Pitching Staff: Peaking at the Right Time

Starting Rotation

• Drew Tatum (RHP, Jr.) – 2.68 ERA, 6–1 record, 101 K in 86 IP
  The unquestioned ace. Tatum has gone at least 6 innings in 9 of his 11 starts and leads the SEC in WHIP.
• Luke Carmichael (LHP, So.) – 3.45 ERA, 5–2 record
  The sophomore lefty doesn’t overpower hitters, but his changeup keeps them off balance. He’s been key in series-turning Saturday starts.
• Ryan Morgan (RHP, Fr.) – 4.12 ERA, 3–1 record
  Still growing into the role, but his upside is massive. If he sharpens command, he could be a breakout postseason X-factor.

Bullpen Breakdown

• Mason Hollis (CL, Sr.) – 1.98 ERA, 9 saves
  Reliable, fearless, and efficient. Hollis rarely walks batters and thrives in high-leverage spots.
• Bryce Tenley (Setup, Jr.) – 2.84 ERA, 4 holds
  Tenley has become the bridge between starter and closer, and Coach Thompson has leaned heavily on him in SEC play.

Defensive Identity

Auburn’s defense has been one of the unsung heroes of their season. The Tigers rank second in the SEC in fielding percentage (.981) and have turned 41 double plays, many of them in critical moments. The infield, led by Monroe and Hill, is among the most consistent in the conference.

Catcher Tyler Dempsey has thrown out 38% of attempted base stealers, while also managing the pitching staff with poise and maturity beyond his sophomore status.

Injury Report and Player Updates

• Jaxon Hill (2B) – Day-to-day with a mild ankle sprain. Expected back by next weekend’s series vs. Mississippi State.
• Sam Langford (RF) – Dealing with a sore wrist; has been used as a pinch-runner and defensive sub but is likely to return to full duty soon.
• Gavin Oakes (LHP) – Out for season (elbow). Was projected as a midweek starter and key bullpen piece.

Coach Thompson noted in his Sunday press conference:

“We’re fortunate to be mostly healthy right now. That’s going to be a big advantage come tournament time, especially with the depth we’ve developed.”

Player Spotlight: Carter Wright’s MVP Campaign

Third baseman Carter Wright has quietly put together a season worthy of All-American consideration. A junior from Marietta, Georgia, Wright leads Auburn in nearly every offensive category and has become the emotional leader of the team.

Not only is he producing at the plate, but his glove at the hot corner has saved several runs. MLB scouts in attendance over the past two series have taken notice, with some projecting him to go in the Top 30 picks of the upcoming MLB Draft.

Wright reflected after Sunday’s win:

“I came back this year to help lead us back to Omaha. We have the team to do it—and we’re not just talking about it anymore, we’re proving it.”

Looking Ahead: Final Stretch

Auburn has two SEC series remaining, both of which will be critical for seeding:

Upcoming Series

• May 3–5: at Mississippi State
  The Bulldogs are fighting for their postseason lives. This road series will be intense, especially in the Starkville environment.
• May 10–12: vs. Arkansas
  Likely to decide the SEC West title. If Auburn sweeps or wins 2 of 3, they could leapfrog Arkansas in the standings and potentially secure the No. 2 overall NCAA seed.

Midweek Games

• Apr. 30: vs. Samford (home)
  Auburn won the first matchup in Birmingham. This is a trap game if they don’t stay focused.
• May 7: vs. Jacksonville State
  Final non-conference tune-up before postseason begins.

What the Tigers Need to Lock a Top 8 Seed

At this point, the Tigers are in great position, but a few things need to happen to secure a Top 8 national seed and guarantee home-field advantage through Super Regionals:

1. Win both remaining SEC series (preferably 4–2 or better over the final 6 conference games)
2. Sweep remaining midweek games to avoid any late-season RPI damage
3. Win at least 1–2 games in the SEC Tournament, especially if facing ranked opponents

If Auburn meets those goals, they could finish with over 40 wins and potentially grab the No. 5–7 overall seed.

Fan Engagement: Tigers Backed by the Jungle

Attendance at Plainsman Park has averaged over 5,200 fans per game—a school record pace. The student section, known as The Jungle, has been especially vocal during recent SEC matchups.

The energy has not gone unnoticed by the players. Carter Wright said:

“There’s nothing like playing at home in front of the Jungle. They lift us up every single inning.”

Eyes on Omaha

With April ending and May fast approaching, Auburn Baseball has one clear goal: get back to Omaha. The pieces are in place. The team is healthy, experienced, and peaking at the right time. If the Tigers can maintain focus and finish strong, they have a legitimate shot to make noise in June—and perhaps bring home the program’s first national title.