The Auburn Tigers want to get off to a fast start against Central Connecticut in the NCAA Regional.

As the calendar turns to June and the roar of postseason baseball begins to echo across college campuses, the Auburn Tigers are preparing to make a statement in the NCAA Regional. Paired against the Central Connecticut Blue Devils in their opening matchup, Auburn knows that in tournament play, momentum is everything—and they want it immediately. Head coach Butch Thompson’s squad is loaded with experience, grit, and a lineup capable of turning any game into a track meet on the basepaths and scoreboard. But to avoid the unpredictability that can come with a No. 1 vs. No. 4 seed clash, Auburn’s top priority is to start fast—and never look back.

The Tigers’ Mentality: Attack Early, Stay Relentless

Auburn enters the regional round with the scars and wisdom of a battle-tested SEC schedule. Despite ups and downs over the course of the season, this team has shown flashes of brilliance, especially when they dictate the tempo from the first pitch. That aggressive style—swinging early in counts, forcing defensive errors, and challenging pitchers with speed on the basepaths—has become part of their DNA.

“We want to be the aggressor,” Coach Thompson told reporters during regional media availability. “The postseason doesn’t give you time to feel things out. We’re going to swing hard, run hard, and pitch like our season depends on it—because it does.”

The Tigers know that early leads can shift the entire dynamic of a regional. Falling behind in game one, especially against a hungry and confident mid-major like Central Connecticut, can put unwanted pressure on a team with high expectations. Auburn’s strategy is simple: put up runs early, force the Blue Devils to chase, and assert control.

Central Connecticut: Dangerous Underdog with Something to Prove

Don’t let the seeding fool you—Central Connecticut has claws. The Northeast Conference champions come into this matchup with a 37-18 record, having dominated their league with steady pitching, timely hitting, and a fearless attitude. Head coach Charlie Hickey has built a program that thrives in underdog moments. This isn’t their first rodeo either; the Blue Devils made regional appearances in 2019 and 2021 and are looking to notch their first NCAA Tournament win in program history.

Their offense is led by seniors who know how to grind out at-bats and punish mistakes. Catcher Jake Gleason (.315, 12 HRs) and infielder Dom Mascia (.342, 18 doubles) are catalysts for an offense that values contact and clutch hitting. On the mound, expect Central Connecticut to throw their ace, right-hander James Philbin (9-2, 2.87 ERA), in an attempt to neutralize Auburn’s hot bats.

Hickey knows the challenge ahead of them: “We’re facing an SEC powerhouse on their turf. But we love playing with a chip on our shoulder. That’s what we’ve done all year.”

The Tigers’ Offensive Engine: Power and Pressure

Auburn’s offensive production has come from a variety of sources, making them dangerous in every spot in the lineup. Senior slugger Ike Irish has been the cornerstone, delivering another standout season (.347 avg, 16 HRs, 59 RBIs) while providing leadership in the clubhouse. Irish’s ability to change a game with one swing makes him the key to Auburn’s early surge strategy.

Joining Irish in the heart of the order are Bryson Ware and Bobby Peirce, both of whom bring power and postseason experience. Ware’s knack for launching timely home runs and Peirce’s consistent contact rate make the middle of the Auburn lineup a nightmare for opposing pitchers.

But Auburn’s approach is not just about power—it’s also about pressure. The Tigers are among the national leaders in stolen bases, with Cole Foster and Justin Kirby combining for over 40 on the year. Creating havoc on the bases can fluster even the most poised mid-major pitching staff, and Thompson’s team has been relentless in taking extra bases on wild pitches, misplayed balls, and mental lapses.

Pitching Plans: Strike First with Confidence

Auburn is expected to send junior right-hander Drew Nelson (7-3, 3.94 ERA) to the mound for the opening game. Nelson has been consistent all season, especially at home, where he’s shown the ability to dominate with his fastball-changeup combination. His command will be crucial against a disciplined Central Connecticut lineup that rarely chases bad pitches.

Coach Thompson emphasized the importance of setting the tone from the mound: “In games like this, it starts with pitching. You can’t let a team like Central Connecticut hang around. Drew has earned the ball in game one because he attacks hitters, keeps the ball down, and works quickly.”

Behind Nelson, Auburn’s bullpen has been solid, with sophomore closer John Armstrong (10 saves, 1.88 ERA) providing shutdown ability in late innings. If the Tigers take a lead into the sixth or seventh, expect Thompson to shorten the game by going to his high-leverage arms early.

Keys to a Fast Start

1. Score in the First Two Innings:
Auburn is 21-4 when scoring in the first two innings this season. Starting fast puts pressure on a mid-major opponent and ignites the home crowd. Look for the Tigers to swing early in counts and possibly bunt for hits or put on hit-and-runs.

2. Run on the Basepaths:
Central Connecticut’s catching corps has thrown out just 25% of base stealers this season. Auburn will test their arm early and often. Aggressive baserunning could lead to defensive miscues and early scoring opportunities.

3. Control the Strike Zone:
Nelson must avoid free passes. Central Connecticut feasts on walks and has a .385 OBP as a team. If Auburn’s pitchers throw strikes and avoid big innings, it forces the Blue Devils to beat them with singles, not slugging.

4. Keep the Energy High:
Playing at Plainsman Park is an advantage, but Auburn must feed off the crowd by generating energy through hustle plays and vocal leadership. The postseason is about emotion as much as execution.

The Bigger Picture: Auburn’s Regional Path

While the immediate focus is on Central Connecticut, Auburn is mindful of the regional gauntlet ahead. Paired in a bracket with top teams like Southern Miss and Indiana, the Tigers know that slipping in game one could set off a chain reaction. Winning the opener allows Thompson to preserve pitching and maintain leverage in the double-elimination format.

“This regional isn’t a cakewalk,” Irish said. “It’s loaded. But we’ve played in the best conference in the country all year, and we’ve seen elite arms and elite hitters. We’re ready. We just have to punch first.”

Auburn’s hosting of the regional signals the respect they’ve earned on the national stage. But that respect doesn’t guarantee wins—it must be earned all over again, pitch by pitch, inning by inning.

What to Watch For

First Pitch Crowd Energy: Plainsman Park will be packed and loud. If Auburn can harness the energy and put a run on the board early, the pressure shifts squarely to the visitors.
Irish vs. Philbin: A must-watch duel between Auburn’s top bat and Central Connecticut’s ace. If Irish gets a fastball early, he could set the tone with one swing.
Momentum Swings: Watch how Auburn responds if Central Connecticut scores first. The Tigers’ maturity will be tested if they face early adversity.
Bullpen Management: If Auburn opens up a lead, how early will Thompson go to his bullpen? Managing arms efficiently is crucial with multiple games looming.

Final Thoughts: The Urgency of Now

There’s no room for slow starts in the NCAA Tournament. Auburn understands that playing from behind—even against a mid-major—is a recipe for disaster. Central Connecticut, with nothing to lose, will play with freedom and fire. That’s why the Tigers’ mission is clear: start fast, strike hard, and take control from the outset.

The path to Omaha begins with one win. And for the Auburn Tigers, that first victory must come not just from talent, but from urgency. The bat cracks, the fastballs blaze, and the crowd rises—the postseason is here, and Auburn is ready to roar.

Projected Lineup for Auburn (Game 1):