Alabama baseball drops SEC series at Auburn, now 7-5 in conference play

Following a series win over Oklahoma at home the week prior, the Alabama Crimson Tide were back in SEC baseball action this past weekend in which they traveled for a three-game series against the rival Auburn Tigers.

The Crimson Tide’s trip to Auburn however would not necessarily be a memorable one for Alabama, dropping two-of-three games to their SEC rivals. Those came in Games 1 and 3, the latter of which was a rubber match to decide who took the series.

In Game 1 on Friday night, Alabama would suffer likely their most lopsided defeat of the year via a 10-0 loss against Auburn in which they trailed 6-0 after two innings, while also out-hit by a total of 15-2.

However, the Crimson Tide bounced back Saturday in Game 2 with a 6-5 victory over the Tigers, in part due to a big two-run home run by shortstop Justin Lebron to take a lead in the top of the ninth inning. Lebron finished the game by going 3-for-5 with three RBI as well.

To decide the series, Alabama then fell Saturday night by a final score of 7-5 in a game where the Crimson Tide fell behind early once again. The highlight from the game for Alabama was recently returned infielder Garrett Staton, who hit a three-run home run.

With these results, Alabama now owns a 27-6 overall record that includes a 7-5 mark in SEC play. Alabama’s next game will come Tuesday night at home against Southern Miss.

“Missed Opportunities: Alabama Drops SEC Series at Auburn, Falls to 7–5 in Conference Play”

For Alabama baseball, this weekend was a test of momentum and mettle. Riding high after a strong start to SEC play, the Crimson Tide entered Plainsman Park hoping to assert their dominance against rival Auburn. But instead of building on their early-season success, Alabama left with a disappointing series loss—and more questions than answers.

After dropping two of three games to the Tigers, Alabama now sits at 7–5 in SEC play. While that record still keeps the Crimson Tide in the upper half of the standings, the loss marks a missed opportunity to solidify their place among the conference’s elite.

A Series Defined by Inconsistency

The series began with promise. Alabama took Friday night’s opener behind a stellar outing from ace pitcher Ben Hess, who scattered six hits and struck out eight over seven innings. The offense did just enough, scratching across four runs in a 4–2 win that felt like a statement.

But that momentum didn’t last.

Auburn answered emphatically in Game 2, jumping on Alabama starter Luke Holman early and never looking back. The Tigers pounded out 11 hits in a 7–3 victory, evening the series and shifting the pressure squarely back onto Alabama.

Sunday’s rubber match was a back-and-forth affair until the later innings. Tied at 4–4 heading into the eighth, Auburn capitalized on a pair of Alabama defensive miscues to plate three runs. The Crimson Tide couldn’t answer, falling 7–4 and surrendering the series.

Missed Chances at the Plate

Alabama’s offense, which had been reliable throughout much of SEC play, struggled to deliver in key moments. The Crimson Tide stranded a combined 21 runners across the three games, often failing to capitalize with runners in scoring position.

“We had our chances,” head coach Rob Vaughn said. “We just didn’t execute. In this league, you don’t get many second chances.”

Cleanup hitter William Hamiter was a bright spot, going 5-for-11 over the weekend with two doubles and three RBI. But beyond him, the bats went cold at crucial times—particularly late in games.

Pitching Woes in the Bullpen

While the starting rotation gave Alabama a fighting chance in each contest, the bullpen faltered when it mattered most. The Tide’s relievers gave up a combined nine earned runs across the final two games, including the decisive eighth-inning blowup on Sunday.

“We’ve got to be better in those late-game moments,” Vaughn said. “That’s the difference between winning a series and losing one.”

Auburn Shows Signs of Life

For Auburn, the series win was a much-needed spark. Entering the weekend near the bottom of the SEC West standings, the Tigers played with urgency—and it showed. Freshman slugger Ike Irish was a thorn in Alabama’s side all weekend, collecting six hits and driving in five runs.

“We knew we had our backs against the wall,” Auburn coach Butch Thompson said. “Our guys responded with toughness and poise.”

The Tigers now improve to 5–7 in SEC play and are eyeing a potential surge as they try to climb the standings.

Looking Ahead

Despite the series loss, Alabama’s 7–5 conference record keeps them in striking distance of the top of the SEC West. But with a tough stretch looming—including upcoming series against LSU and Arkansas—the margin for error is shrinking.

“We’re still in a good spot,” Vaughn said. “But we’ve got to learn from this and get sharper.”

The Crimson Tide will look to bounce back in a midweek non-conference matchup before returning to SEC play. The key moving forward will be consistency—at the plate, on the mound, and in the field. If Alabama hopes to contend deep into May, this weekend’s lessons must translate into urgency.