Auburn defeated UAB 10-2 on May 5, boosted by a five-run fifth inning at Regions Field in Birmingham. The game saw four Auburn players collect multiple hits and three drive in several runs, marking the team’s third consecutive midweek victory with double-digit scoring.
The matchup was important for Auburn as it continued its late-season momentum and offensive consistency. Head coach Butch Thompson said, “I’m thankful for the win, but not our best effort here recently. I’m not disappointed or upset, but we committed to five weeks here to finish this thing. There were definitely some things that we’ll take and put into practice tomorrow and keep pushing.”
Brandon McCraine and Bub Terrell each recorded three hits, combining for five runs batted in. Eric Guevara added two hits including his eleventh home run of the season. Reflecting on facing different pitchers throughout the game, McCraine said, “It’s pretty tough, but you just have to stay true to yourself and do what you do best. I feel more comfortable, more relaxed, and feel like I’m seeing the ball well right now.” Terrell commented on his approach at the plate: “All of my hits were away tonight. I’ve been thinking about letting the ball travel longer and putting the ball in play. That’s the biggest thing for me going forward is just putting the ball in play.”
Pitcher Griffin Graves made his third midweek start for Auburn (33-14), delivering four scoreless innings aided by timely double plays that kept UAB off base early in the contest. After early manufactured runs from Auburn’s offense gave them a slim lead through four innings, their bats erupted in a decisive fifth frame with contributions from Guevara and Bingaman.
UAB (28-20) struggled to generate offense against Auburn’s pitching staff until late in the game when they scored twice in the eighth inning after relievers Marcel Kulik and Abe Chancellor held them scoreless through most of their appearances.
Auburn will continue its road trip with a three-game series against No. 10 Mississippi State later this week.
