|
March 31, 2000
AUBURN- Behind catcher Brad Cresse's 5-for-5 and two home run outing, 11th-ranked LSU defeated sixth-ranked Auburn, 18-11, this evening. LSU improved to 20-9 overall and 6-3 in the Southeastern Conference, while Auburn dropped to 27-7 overall and 6-4 in the SEC.
Auburn opened the game scoring four runs in the bottom of the first, behind catcher Bobby Huddleston's two-out three-run double. LSU responded however with six in the second and three in the third. Cresse gave LSU an 11-4 lead with a two-run home run to center field. The SEC's leading hitter, Cresse improved his career-best hitting streak to 22 games.
Auburn scored five runs in the bottom of the fifth, behind three walks, two hits and one LSU error, cutting the LSU advantage to 11-9. Tigers' third baseman Brett Burnham tripled to left-center field scoring two Auburn runners.
LSU answered, scoring runs in the next four innings, including three in the seventh and two in the ninth. Cresse hit his second two-run home run in the eight inning to right center field. In all, the Tigers scored in six of the nine innings.
LSU reliever Hunter Gomez (4-0) picked up the win for the Tigers. Gomez threw 5.0 innings, allowing six hits, four runs, while walking two and striking out four.
Auburn starter Brent Speigner (4-3) was credited with the loss. Speigner went 1.2 innings, allowing nine hits and six runs, all earned.
Jeremy Witten added four hits for LSU, while Brad Hawpe, Mike Fontenot, and Wally Pontiff each added three hits.
Auburn's Gabe Gross was 3-for-4 with three runs scored, while Bobby Huddleston added three RBI.
The two teams will play the second game of their three-game set tomorrow at Plainsman Park at 2 pm. Airtime on the Auburn Network set for 1:45 pm. You can listen to Auburn Baseball live by tuning in to your local Auburn Network affiliate or by visiting our Live Audio section.
|
