Takeaways: Auburn wins series against Ole Miss after a doubleheader sweep

After sweeping the twin bill, Auburn wins their first series in Oxford since 2012.

Author:
Andrew Stefaniak
Publish date:
May 13, 2023 12:44 AM EDT

Auburn won both games of the doubleheader, against Ole Miss giving the Tigers their first series win in Oxford since 2012.

Auburn run-ruled the Rebels in game one 16-4 in eight innings, then won game two 8-2.

This gives the Tigers a 13-13 record in SEC play, meaning Auburn is only one win away from hitting the ever so important 14-win "magic number."

The Tigers will go for the sweep on Saturday at 2 pm ct behind the arm of Christian Herberholz.

What can we take away from the Tiger's doubleheader sweep of Ole Miss?

Tommy Vail can't be stopped

Tommy Vail had the best pitching outing we have seen from a Tiger this year, going eight complete innings, only allowing one run on two hits while striking out six. Vail dots up his pitches with a wipeout curveball, which makes him so effective. He's not a thrower but a pitcher, meaning he doesn't try to blow the ball past you; he just locates pitches. Vail is one of the best pitchers in college baseball, and it is no longer a debate. I would not want to face Vail in the postseason if I were an opposing team.

The bats are hot

Kason Howell — Eric Starling/Auburn Daily

Auburn combined for 30 hits in their two wins over Ole Miss. This is an opposing pitcher's absolute nightmare. The most exciting part about this is everyone in the lineup is seeing the ball well right now. It's not just the top of the lineup. Guys like Nate LaRue and Caden Green both had good days at the dish. Auburn has one of the best offenses in the nation, and it's going to take them far in the SEC and NCAA tournaments.

Auburn conserved bullpen arms for a potential sweep

John Armstrong — Eric Starling/Auburn Daily

Auburn only used five pitchers in their two Friday wins over Ole Miss. Guys like Tanner Bauman and Will Cannon pitched, but not enough to hold them out of Saturday's series finale. Auburn will have John Armstrong, Cannon, Bauman, Chase Isbell, and Zach Crotchfelt to relieve Christian Herberholz. The Tigers have a real shot at sweeping the Rebels at their ballpark if the bats show up, thanks to conserving pitching throughout the first two games of this series.

The Tigers are peaking at the right time

Auburn baseball — Eric Starling/Auburn Daily

We talk about peaking at the right time a lot in college hoops, but it is very much a thing in college baseball. Auburn is peaking at the right time. It's not just the bats; it's the pitching staff as well. After four straight SEC series victories, Auburn has solidified itself as a tournament team. Auburn is a nightmare matchup for whatever regional they end up playing in. I'm starting to believe this team can head back to Omaha for the third time in the past four tournaments.

What's next?

Auburn goes for the series sweep on Saturday in Oxford. First pitch from Swayze Field is scheduled for 2:00PM, and the game is being broadcast on SEC Network. The radio call, with "Voice of the Tigers" Andy Burcham and Brad Law, is available locally on 93.9FM, online at AuburnTigers.com, or on the Auburn Athletics app.

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