Is baseball returning at Auburn? These are the lessons we took away from the Tigers’ series victory over Holy Cross.

As the 2024 season begins to unfold, Auburn baseball fans are brimming with optimism, and for good reason. The Tigers’ series victory over Holy Cross in early February has provided a strong foundation for what could be a breakthrough season. After a couple of years of inconsistency and challenges, the Tigers seem to be on the upswing, showing signs of returning to the competitive level they’ve traditionally maintained in college baseball.

The victory over Holy Cross—where Auburn took two out of three games—offered more than just a strong start to the season; it revealed critical insights into the team’s potential, areas of improvement, and the style of baseball they hope to play this year. From the pitching staff’s performance to the offense’s timely hitting, Auburn has taken away several lessons from the series that are vital to their success moving forward.

In this article, we’ll break down the key takeaways from Auburn’s series win over Holy Cross, how these lessons impact the Tigers’ outlook for the season, and why this victory may signal that baseball is indeed returning to its rightful place at Auburn.

1. The Pitching Staff Looks More Stable Than Ever

One of the most encouraging aspects of Auburn’s series victory over Holy Cross was the performance of their pitching staff. In recent seasons, pitching has been an area of concern for the Tigers, with inconsistency and a lack of depth causing issues. However, this year’s staff appears to be stronger, more focused, and capable of going deep into games.

Strong Start from the Rotation

The Tigers’ starting pitchers delivered strong performances, which helped set the tone for the series win. The first game featured senior ace, Jackson Frazier, who dominated over five innings, allowing just two runs while striking out seven. Frazier’s control was impeccable—he kept Holy Cross off balance with a mix of fastballs and off-speed pitches, demonstrating his maturity and command of the strike zone. This was an excellent outing for a pitcher who had shown flashes of brilliance last year but struggled with consistency. The encouraging performance suggests that Frazier may be turning the corner as Auburn’s go-to starter.

In the second game, junior Luke Ross stepped up in a big way, tossing 6.2 innings of two-run ball and keeping Auburn in the game when things got tight. Ross’s ability to generate ground balls and limit walks was especially impressive. This outing was a good indicator of his growth as a pitcher and his ability to handle starting duties in the SEC.

Finally, in the series-clinching game, sophomore Riley Thompson took the mound and showed poise beyond his years. He worked efficiently through six innings, allowing only one run, and kept the Holy Cross offense from getting anything going. His performance illustrated that the Tigers have the depth they need in their rotation, which could be crucial in a long season.

Relievers Provide Stability

Auburn’s bullpen also showed promise, although there were some moments where the game seemed to get out of hand. In the second game, for example, Auburn’s bullpen gave up a few runs but managed to get the final outs needed for the win. Freshman Daniel Murphy, a key piece in the bullpen, showed flashes of greatness. His ability to throw strikes and mix his pitches effectively made him a reliable option in high-leverage situations. The bullpen’s depth could become a strength as the season progresses, especially with the Tigers needing to rely on multiple arms throughout a long campaign.

Key Takeaway: For Auburn, the lessons from the Holy Cross series are clear: strong starting pitching and the ability to close out games with reliable bullpen arms will be pivotal in their quest to return to the top of the SEC. If the pitching staff continues to perform at this level, Auburn will be able to compete with anyone in the nation.

2. Offensive Consistency Will Be Crucial

While the pitching was the headliner, Auburn’s offense also played a key role in the series victory over Holy Cross. The Tigers showed they can generate offense at will, but they also demonstrated that consistency at the plate will be a crucial factor moving forward.

Power from the Top of the Lineup

One of the biggest takeaways from the series was the resurgence of Caden Johnson, a senior outfielder who had an up-and-down 2023 season. Johnson showcased his power by blasting a couple of home runs, including a key go-ahead shot in the second game. Johnson’s ability to hit for power while maintaining solid plate discipline gives the Tigers a dangerous bat at the top of the lineup. His performance in the series indicates that he could be a key contributor this season.

Another standout in the series was Tyler Horne, who exhibited great bat-to-ball skills and had several key hits to drive in runs. His ability to make consistent contact and work counts will be crucial for Auburn as they look to generate offense, especially in tight games.

Balance in the Middle of the Order

The Tigers’ offense looks much deeper this year, with strong contributions coming from the middle of the order. Ben Harris, a junior infielder, was a force throughout the series, hitting for both average and power. Harris’s ability to drive the ball to all fields, combined with his ability to get on base, makes him a threat in the middle of the order.

Freshman Eli Brown, though not as well-known as the other players, made an immediate impact in his first collegiate series. With a couple of key hits, Brown demonstrated an ability to contribute to the team early on, which will be important as Auburn looks to develop a full lineup of consistent hitters.

Key Takeaway: The Tigers’ offense showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in generating power and creating opportunities from the top and middle of the lineup. However, for Auburn to consistently compete at a high level, they will need to stay disciplined at the plate, cut down on strikeouts, and maintain offensive pressure throughout entire games.

3. Defensive Improvements Are Key to Championship Hopes

In the past few seasons, Auburn’s defense has been a weak spot, with errors and misplays in the field costing the team in crucial moments. However, the series against Holy Cross offered a glimpse of what this team can achieve if they tighten up defensively.

Solid Fielding at Key Positions

Auburn’s defense was sharp in the series, with several crucial plays saving runs and providing momentum. Senior shortstop Grant Johnson turned multiple smooth double plays and showed excellent range. Johnson, known for his glove, was a key defensive piece in Auburn’s victory, and his ability to control the middle infield is essential for the team’s success.

The Tigers also saw significant improvement behind the plate with Jacob Davis, who looked sharp both in calling the game and managing pitchers. His leadership from the catcher’s position allowed Auburn’s pitchers to focus on their craft without worrying about defensive mishaps. Solid defense from Davis, combined with sharp play from the infield and outfield, is something the Tigers will need to sustain as they go deeper into the season.

Key Takeaway: A well-rounded defense will be critical for Auburn’s long-term success. The Tigers have the pieces to be a strong defensive team, and if they can consistently execute in the field without giving away free outs, they will be able to compete with any team in the SEC and beyond.

4. Team Chemistry and Leadership Are in Sync

One of the most promising elements of the series victory was the evident chemistry between players and coaches. Auburn has faced adversity in recent seasons, and the team’s ability to come together as a unit, despite losing key players from previous seasons, has been impressive.

Leadership from Veterans

Senior players like Caden Johnson, Grant Johnson, and Jacob Davis have taken on important leadership roles, guiding the team through both highs and lows. Their leadership was evident in the way the team responded after a tough loss in the opening game. Instead of getting discouraged, the Tigers rallied together, showing resilience and mental toughness that will be important throughout the season.

Key Takeaway: Team chemistry will play a crucial role in Auburn’s success. The leadership provided by upperclassmen, combined with the team’s youthful energy, creates an environment where the Tigers can thrive and overcome challenges.

5. The Importance of Building Momentum

Winning the series against Holy Cross is an excellent way to build momentum early in the season. Auburn has the opportunity to build off this victory and carry that positive energy into their next series and the SEC slate.

Key Takeaway: Momentum is a powerful thing in college baseball, and the Tigers need to capitalize on this series victory. If they continue to perform at a high level, the early success will give them confidence and help them position themselves as one of the top teams in the SEC.

 Is Baseball Returning at Auburn?

After the Tigers’ series victory over Holy Cross, it’s clear that Auburn baseball is on the right track. With solid pitching, offensive firepower, improved defense, and strong leadership, the team is well-positioned to make a push for SEC prominence and beyond. While the season is still young, the lessons learned from this series will help Auburn build a strong foundation for the rest of the year.

Baseball is, indeed, returning at Auburn, and if the Tigers continue to develop, refine their game, and build on this early success, they could be a serious contender in the SEC—and perhaps even make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. The journey ahead will be challenging, but with the right attitude and performances, Auburn baseball looks poised for a bright future.