No. 10 Auburn defeated Kentucky 12-5 in the opening game of their baseball series at Plainsman Park on April 10. Auburn scored six runs in the first inning and maintained its lead throughout the game.
The win marks Auburn’s ninth consecutive series-opening victory in Southeastern Conference home games since 2024, with both the team’s run and hit totals representing season highs for SEC play.
Auburn coach Butch Thompson said, “The guys were ready to play. Some things fell in. A few more balls were put in play. That was good to see tonight. Five guys with multiple hits. This is going to be a great series. Kentucky keeps competing. I expect nothing less. To their credit, we had to use a couple bullpen pieces, but we found a way to pull it out.” Five players had multiple hits for Auburn, led by Ethin Bingaman and Eddie Madrigal with three each; they combined with Brandon McCraine as the bottom three batters in the order and went 8-for-11 with five runs and six RBI.
Bingaman said, “Seeing the ball in the zone. That’s my one goal… I was ready for the heater today.” Madrigal added, “I was grateful for the opportunity… We have hitters left and right and talent up and down our lineup… It was great to put up a crooked number in the first inning.”
Pitcher Andreas Alvarez improved his record to 6-1 after allowing two runs on three hits over six innings of work before turning things over to relievers LJ Cormier and Ryan Hetzler who kept Kentucky scoreless through three innings.
Game two between Auburn (23-10, 7-6 SEC) and Kentucky (24-9, 6-7 SEC) is scheduled for Saturday at 7 p.m.
