Auburn starting pitcher Alex Petrovic has helped No. 6 Auburn secure three consecutive series victories, including recent wins over No. 15 Arkansas, Kentucky, and a strong performance against No. 7 Florida, according to an April 23 announcement from the team.
Petrovic’s role as game three starter has been crucial for Auburn’s success this season. His ability to pitch under pressure was highlighted by a complete game shutout against Kentucky that earned him Southeastern Conference Pitcher of the Week honors. After overcoming a tough start in Gainesville, he retired the last eight batters he faced to help clinch an 8-5 win over Florida.
“This is our field,” Petrovic said after leading Auburn to its fourteenth win in fifteen regular season home series. “We’ve got to win here. That’s what I love about it, being competitive and having an opportunity to win a series on my back. The defense played a great part, offense, too.” Coach Butch Thompson praised his composure: “The self-confidence, the poise… To be that young and that stoic, you can’t rattle him… If it’s not for the quiet confidence and the poise of Alex Petrovic, I don’t know if we get that storybook series winner because his effort was absolutely amazing.”
Petrovic currently holds a record of six wins and one loss with a 2.82 earned run average heading into this weekend’s matchup against No. 9 Oklahoma. He reflected on his journey from Cypress, Texas: “It’s something I’ve dreamt of… Every kid wants to come and play at a phenomenal SEC school.” Despite injuries throughout high school and college—including elbow inflammation and fractures requiring surgery—Petrovic credited adjustments made last summer for allowing him to pitch pain-free this year.
He also emphasized loyalty between himself and Auburn during two injury-plagued seasons: “I can’t name another coach who would keep a guy around who’s been hurt for two years… Even though I’ve been hurt, they’ve seen glimpses; they believed in me.” Thompson added: “We’re not only getting what he’s doing on the field; he’s impacting other players… But the quality of character—I think it still means something.” As one of Auburn’s legacy leaders among captains this season, Petrovic is embracing new responsibilities both on and off the mound.
Looking ahead at challenging opponents ranked in the top thirteen during the final month of regular season play, Petrovic said: “If we keep playing like we are… I think we’re going to be a super successful team this back half of the SEC.” Thompson concluded: “Every day he’s able to go out there and pitch like he does today is a lesson of perseverance he can take for the rest of his life.”
