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Dutton Delivers Another Scoreless Outing in No. 9 Auburn’s Series-Opening Win
AUBURN, Ala. — The national conversation around No. 9 Auburn baseball has largely centered on its explosive offense, a lineup capable of putting up crooked numbers in a hurry. But in Friday night’s series opener, it was the brilliance on the mound that told the story — specifically, the continued dominance of sophomore right-hander Brett Dutton.
With the eyes of the SEC fixed on Plainsman Park for the Tigers’ pivotal weekend matchup against a surging South Carolina team, Dutton delivered what’s becoming a familiar script: zeroes. The sophomore tossed six shutout innings, scattering four hits and striking out eight, as Auburn claimed a 5–1 win in the opener of the three-game set.
Dutton’s outing extended his scoreless streak to 21.1 innings — a stretch that includes dominant performances against SEC powerhouses like Arkansas and Florida. Against South Carolina, he once again looked untouchable.
“It’s just poise, man. Every time out, he gives us a chance to win,” said Auburn head coach Butch Thompson. “He’s not just throwing — he’s pitching, locating, thinking two steps ahead. He’s one of the best in the country right now, and tonight was more proof.”
Efficient and Electric
Dutton entered the night with a 1.88 ERA and a growing reputation as one of the SEC’s most reliable arms. By the time he exited after the sixth, that ERA had dipped again, and South Carolina’s hitters were left shaking their heads.
“He moves fast, keeps you off balance,” said Gamecocks third baseman Ethan Petry. “Fastball’s got ride, his changeup just disappears, and the breaking ball is sharp. He doesn’t give you much to work with.”
Over 87 pitches, Dutton induced 11 swings and misses and allowed just one South Carolina base runner to reach third. His ability to command all four pitches in any count had the Gamecocks guessing all night.
“I felt good in the bullpen, and it translated to the game,” Dutton said. “Fastball command was there early, and once I got a feel for the changeup, I knew I could keep them off balance. Credit to [catcher] Nate LaRue — we were on the same page all night.”
Auburn’s Offense Does Just Enough
While Dutton stole the show, Auburn’s offense provided enough run support to make his outing stand up. Leadoff man Bobby Pierce opened the scoring in the bottom of the third with a solo blast to left-center — his ninth home run of the season.
“That ball was a laser,” Thompson said with a grin. “You could feel the dugout exhale a little when he hit that one. First runs in SEC games matter.”
Auburn added two more runs in the fifth on a two-out, two-run double by freshman slugger Cole Foster. The hit came after South Carolina starter Ty Good had nearly escaped a jam — but a two-out walk and a hit-by-pitch extended the inning, and Foster made the Gamecocks pay.
“That was the swing we needed,” LaRue said. “It changed the tone of the game. Instead of 1–0 and tight, now it’s 3–0 and we can breathe a little.”
In the sixth, Ike Irish plated another run with a sacrifice fly, and Auburn tacked on a final insurance run in the seventh when Caden Green tripled and scored on a wild pitch.
Though the Tigers didn’t erupt for double-digit runs as they have in recent weeks, the five-run output was more than enough with Dutton dealing.
Bullpen Closes It Out
Following Dutton’s exit, Auburn’s bullpen took over and preserved the lead with minimal drama. John Armstrong worked a clean seventh with two strikeouts, and Will Cannon navigated a bases-loaded situation in the eighth with a key strikeout of South Carolina cleanup hitter Gavin Casas.
Freshman closer Drew Nelson pitched the ninth, allowing a lone unearned run on a throwing error before shutting the door with back-to-back strikeouts.
“That’s a tough lineup — lot of left-handed pop,” Thompson said. “But our guys in the pen attacked them. That’s what you want to see in Game 1. Set the tone.”
South Carolina’s Missed Opportunities
Despite Dutton’s dominance, South Carolina had its chances. The Gamecocks stranded nine runners and went just 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position.
“We didn’t capitalize,” South Carolina head coach Mark Kingston said. “We had Dutton in a couple tight spots, but he made pitches. He’s tough. We need to be more opportunistic moving forward in this series.”
The Gamecocks’ best opportunity came in the sixth, when they put two on with one out. But Dutton dug deep, striking out Petry on a 3–2 fastball before getting a fly out to end the threat.
“That was the moment,” Kingston said. “If we scratch one across there, it changes the game. But give credit to Dutton — he’s a gamer.”
Dutton’s Rise Continues
Friday’s outing added another chapter to what has quickly become a breakout campaign for Dutton. The 6-foot-2 righty from Franklin, Tennessee, was a midweek starter for most of last season, flashing potential but still searching for consistency. This year, he’s emerged as Auburn’s Friday night ace — a role he’s thriving in.
“It’s been a journey,” Dutton said. “I learned a lot last year. I got hit around a little, and I had to figure out how to be more than just a guy with a good arm. It’s about planning, mentality, adjustments.”
Now, he’s not just pitching at a high level — he’s commanding the stage.
“Brett’s a pro,” Thompson said. “He prepares like one, works like one, and competes like one. He’s setting a standard for our whole staff.”
His numbers back that up. After Friday’s outing, Dutton sits at 6–1 on the season with a 1.52 ERA and 73 strikeouts in 65 innings — among the best in the SEC.
What It Means for Auburn
With the win, Auburn improves to 27–8 overall and 11–5 in SEC play, keeping pace in the race for the SEC West crown. The Tigers have now won four straight conference series openers and will look to clinch the series Saturday behind junior lefty Tommy Vail.
“Any time you take Game 1, especially at home, it’s huge,” LaRue said. “But we’re not satisfied. We want the series, and we want the sweep.”
Thompson echoed that urgency.
“You love seeing the guys celebrate, but it’s one win. We’ll enjoy it tonight, then get ready to go again tomorrow. This league doesn’t wait for anybody.”
The Tigers are aiming to host a regional — and potentially a Super Regional — and wins like Friday’s go a long way toward bolstering their resume. Especially when they’re anchored by a Friday night starter who looks more and more like a future first-round pick.
Up Next
Game 2 of the series is set for Saturday at 6:30 p.m. CT. Vail (4–2, 3.44 ERA) will take the mound for Auburn, while South Carolina is expected to counter with junior right-hander Eli Jones (5–1, 2.98 ERA). The Tigers will look to secure the series and keep their momentum rolling into the back half of April.
But regardless of what happens the rest of the weekend, Friday’s opener was another reminder that Auburn has a true ace — and his name is Brett Dutton.
As Thompson put it: “When No. 17’s on the mound, we feel like we’re going to win. That’s the ultimate compliment you can give a pitcher — and he’s earned it.”
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