Auburn Daily

Takeaways from Auburn's 4-2 game two loss to Alabama

The Tigers outhit the Tide but drop game two 4-2.

Andrew Stefaniak

Takeaways from Auburn's 4-2 game two loss to Alabama
Takeaways from Auburn's 4-2 game two loss to Alabama /

Auburn dropped game two of their three-game set in Tuscaloosa 4-2. 

Aside from a rough second inning by Auburn starter Drew Nelson, this was a pitcher's duel.

Auburn even outhit Alabama 6-5, which is interesting as the losing team doesn't often outhit the winning team. 

What can we take away from the Tiger's game two loss? 

The Tigers once again played exceptional offense

Cole Foster backhands a grounder at short against Louisiana Tech in fall exhibition action
Eric Starling/Auburn Daily

Auburn has been a very solid fielding team this season, and their gloves kept them in this ball game. Auburn did have one error as Bryson Ware threw the ball away on a bunt, but this bunt was sure to be an infield single. Perhaps the best play by Ware would have been to put it in his pocket and move on, but this was not an atrocious error. There were so many great plays by the Tigers in this game that it's ever hard to give everyone who had one a shout-out. Defense is a bigger part of baseball than many understand, and Auburn's solid defense has helped a lot this season. 

Your gamely walks takeaway

Tommy Sheehan
Eric Starling/Auburn Daily

It's becoming repetitive, but as all Auburn fans know, this pitching staff has had a really hard time not allowing free passes. Auburn granted 11 free bases in this game. That number needs to be down to five or fewer. Walks turn to runs, which is precisely what happened in the second inning, where the Crimson Tide scored three. Auburn will continue to lose close games if they keep allowing too many free bases. The Tigers desperately need a reliever to separate themselves from the bunch as a go-to guy who won't allow free trips to first place. To this point, no Auburn reliever has done so. 

Zach Crotchfelt had a good outing

Zach Crotchfelt
Eric Starling/Auburn Daily

Zach Crotchfelt had a good outing for the Tigers, where he went three scoreless innings. The true freshman lefty struck out four and was locating his fastball. Every time he takes the mound, it's clear that Crotchfelt will be a star, but after an outing like this, it makes you wonder if that will be sooner rather than later. If Auburn wants to make the postseason in 2023, Crotchfelt must be a dominant arm out of the pen. 

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Andrew Stefaniak
ANDREW STEFANIAK

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