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Early on last night it looked like Auburn's bats had finally awoken to where we hoped they would be. They were hitting LSU's pitchers hard. Five runs in the first inning. They added three more by the 4th. Then the bottom dropped out.
Some bad defensive plays, bad luck, and LSU's great offense kicked in and after a 6 run 5th inning, LSU took the lead. Auburn's defense settled down after that and never allowed another run, but there was just one big problem: LSU's did the same. Auburn couldn't rally back for the victory over #1 LSU.
But hey, this happened, and it was awesome.
— College & Magnolia (@CollegeAndMag) May 20, 2015
So, now our Tigers move into the Loser's Bracket. Lose now and we're just awaiting the Selection Show to see what the future of this season is. Win and we live to play another day.
Auburn will face Florida early this afternoon in Hoover. Florida took two of three from Auburn in the final weekend of the regular season, so it's going to be another tough game. If there's one big advantage on Auburn's side, it's that Auburn's game last night finished around 8:30, whereas Florida's game against Arkansas (which they led for most of the game) went until closer to 1:30am, local.
Starters for the game have not been announced that I've seen, but I assume Auburn will throw Dalton Rentz against the Gators. There's always the chance it could be senior Robby Clements, though.
Auburn will look to rebound from its hitting woes in the latter half of the LSU game. Getting and keeping the bats warm would be a big help going into the NCAA Regional.
Regardless of what happens today, the Tigers should be in the NCAA Tournament. Getting a little further into the SEC Tournament never hurts, though.
How to Watch, Stream, Listen
Time: TBA (30 minutes after conclusion of the 9:30am Alabama vs Missouri game)
TV: SEC Network
Stream: Watch ESPN / SEC Network +
Listen: Auburn IMG Network