Iron Bowl of Baseball Preview

Auburn and Alabama renew their baseball rivalry this weekend for the 249th, 250th, and 251st time. Alabama holds the all time series lead 113-135, but Auburn leads the series at home 55-46.  Auburn has only taken one series from the Tide since 2010 but this year, Tigers fans are justifiably confident.  Auburn has been hot, winning 11 of their last 13.  Alabama is cold, going 2-7 in the last three SEC series and even diehard fans are calling the Tide "lifeless."  But, ohhh, when these two get together:

Both teams desperately need to win this weekend.  Auburn has an outside chance of hosting an NCAA Regional.  Alabama is only half a game over the cut line of teams going to Hoover.  Next week, the Tide hosts Vandy so this weekend is their last, best chance to secure a spot in the conference tournament.

Offensively, Alabama is not a talentless team.  Alabama is led by southpaw right fielder Casey Hughston.  Hughston is on track for his team's triple crown, batting .356 with 6 HRs and 37 RBIs.  Right behind Hughston is shortstop Mikey White who bats .344 with 4 homeruns.  Section 111 may be particularly interested to meet Chance Vincent, an earnest-looking .225 hitting third baseman from the Boudin Capital of the World, Scott, Louisiana.

Alabama's struggles come from their inconsistent pitching.  Alabama's Friday night guy, Taylor Guilbeau, has a higher ERA than Auburn's five of Auburn's six regular starters.  Alabama's Saturday night special, Jake Walters may be their ace at 4-3 with a 2.45 ERA.

Keegan Thompson is out at least one more weekend but the Tigers have picked up the slack admirably in his absence.  According to the AU Athletics preview, Friday, Cole Thompson faces Taylor Guilbeau.  Saturday night, Auburn's Terrible Hawaiian Beach Towels say aloha to Auburn's newest alumnus, Rocky McCord and Jake Walters in what may be the most interesting matchup of the weekend.  Sunday, your mom really wants to go down to the ballpark to see Dalton Rentz face Geoffrey Bramlett.

For the next three nights, nothing else matters.  Auburn's chances at Hoover, the NCAA Tournament, and any other postseason glory fade into the background.  For the next 72 hours, it's time to Beat Bama.

Your Team. Your Park. Beat Bama.