In a thrilling and closely contested Super Regional opener, the Auburn Tigers fell to the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers in extra innings, 6-5. The game, held at Plainsman Park, was a showcase of resilience and determination from both teams, with Coastal Carolina ultimately prevailing in the 11th inning.
From the outset, the game was a back-and-forth affair. Auburn took an early lead in the bottom of the first inning, capitalizing on a leadoff single by shortstop Blake Rambusch and a subsequent RBI double by third baseman Cole Foster. The Chanticleers responded swiftly in the top of the second, with designated hitter Zach Biermann launching a two-run homer to give Coastal Carolina a 2-1 advantage.
The Tigers regained the lead in the bottom of the third. First baseman Sonny DiChiara led off with a walk, advancing to second on a wild pitch. He scored on a single by outfielder Kason Howell, who then stole second base and came home on a clutch two-out single by center fielder Bobby Peirce, putting Auburn ahead 3-2.
Coastal Carolina answered in the top of the fourth. After a leadoff single by second baseman Jake Wright, shortstop Eric Brown reached on a fielding error, allowing Wright to advance to third. Wright scored on a sacrifice fly by catcher Kyle Skeels, tying the game at 3-3.
The game remained tied until the top of the eighth inning. With one out, Biermann singled, and third baseman Tyler Johnson followed with a double, putting runners on second and third. Auburn’s pitcher, Mason Barnett, intentionally walked the next batter to load the bases. The strategy paid off when Barnett induced a ground ball double play, escaping the jam without allowing a run.
In the bottom of the ninth, Auburn had a golden opportunity to win the game. With two outs and a runner on third, Rambusch hit a sharp grounder to shortstop Brown, who made a diving stop and threw to first baseman Johnson just in time to retire Rambusch and send the game into extra innings.
The game remained scoreless through the 10th inning. In the top of the 11th, Coastal Carolina’s first baseman Johnson led off with a single. He advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by right fielder Austin White. With two outs, Brown singled to center field, scoring Johnson and giving the Chanticleers a 4-3 lead.
Auburn refused to go down without a fight. In the bottom of the 11th, Rambusch led off with a single. He advanced to second on a ground out by Foster. With one out, DiChiara was intentionally walked, bringing up Howell. Howell delivered a clutch single to left field, scoring Rambusch and tying the game at 4-4.
However, Coastal Carolina responded in the top of the 12th. With one out, Skeels singled, and Wright followed with a double, putting runners on second and third. Auburn’s pitcher, Carson Skipper, intentionally walked the next batter to load the bases. The strategy backfired when Brown singled to right field, scoring Skeels and Wright, and giving the Chanticleers a 6-4 lead.
Auburn mounted a final rally in the bottom of the 12th. With two outs, Rambusch singled, and Foster followed with a double, putting runners on second and third. DiChiara was intentionally walked, loading the bases. However, Coastal Carolina’s closer, Nick Parker, struck out Howell to end the game and secure the victory for the Chanticleers.
The game was a testament to the resilience and determination of both teams. Auburn’s offense was led by Rambusch, who went 3-for-5 with a run scored, and Howell, who had two hits and an RBI. Coastal Carolina’s offense was propelled by Brown, who had three hits and three RBIs, and Biermann, who had two hits, including a home run.
The loss was a tough blow for Auburn, but the Tigers showed great character and determination throughout the game. Head coach Butch Thompson expressed pride in his team’s effort, stating, “We fought hard, and that’s all you can ask for. We’re going to come back tomorrow and give it everything we’ve got.”
The victory for Coastal Carolina was a significant achievement for the program. Head coach Gary Gilmore praised his team’s performance, saying, “We executed when it mattered most. This is a big win for us, but we know the job isn’t done yet.”
Both teams will have a short turnaround, as they are scheduled to play again the following day. Auburn will look to even the series and keep their postseason hopes alive, while Coastal Carolina aims to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the Super Regional.
The Super Regional series is a best-of-three format, with the winner advancing to the College World Series in Omaha. The intensity and drama of the opener have set the stage for what promises to be an exciting and competitive series.
As the postseason continues, both teams will look to build on the momentum from this game. For Auburn, the key will be to maintain their offensive production and continue to get solid pitching performances. For Coastal Carolina, sustaining their offensive output and continuing to execute in critical situations will be crucial.
In the end, the opener was a microcosm of what makes college baseball so compelling: the combination of skill, strategy, and heart. Both Auburn and Coastal Carolina demonstrated all of these qualities, making for a memorable and exciting game that will be remembered by fans for years to come.
As the series progresses, fans can expect more thrilling moments and intense competition.
