Auburn Falls in Midweek Game at Kennesaw State, 6-5

The score line shows a very close game and a lot of hits. Unfortunately, those hits didn't come when it mattered.

Jordan Ebert had a 3-hit game for the 22nd time in his career and Anfernee Grier had a career high of 5 hits on the night, but it wasn't enough. For the third game in a row, the Tigers played without Josh Palacios and Daniel Robert. Those are two of the Tigers' best hitters, and their absence was noted. According to Butch Thompson prior to the game, Palacios could be back Thursday night, but Robert will be out for some time.

The story of the night for Auburn was runners left on base. 15 total runners were left stranded. Three times the Tigers left the bases juiced. Meanwhile, the Tigers' pitchers were hit hard and allowed six runs. Isaac Yarbrough pitched the longest game of his career in relief as one of four pitchers to hit the mound. He gave up the final runs to Kennesaw in the Bottom of the 4th, but the damage was done.

Auburn picked up a run in the top of the 6th to cut the deficit to 6-2, and it looked like that would be the final after Auburn's batters continued to struggle. They managed to stage a rally in the 9th, though. Auburn scored 4 runs and had Anfernee Grier on 2nd with Jordan Ebert at the plate - an excellent combination - with 2 outs and a chance to at least tie the game, but Ebert popped up to end the game in a 5-6 loss for Auburn.

Auburn returns to Plainsman Park Thursday night in yet another Thursday through Saturday series. They'll face the Tennessee Volunteers in an absolute must-win series. I know we've been saying that a lot, but this time it's absolutely essential. Getting Palacios back will be big for Auburn in that one.