Auburn baseball defeats Stetson for the first time in history, advancing to the regional final with a strong postseason performance.

In a thrilling chapter of college baseball history, the Auburn Tigers defeated the Stetson Hatters for the first time ever, claiming a hard-fought victory that propelled them into the NCAA regional final. This postseason triumph not only marked a milestone in Auburn’s program history but also showcased the team’s grit, resilience, and readiness for a deep tournament run.

Breaking the Curse: Auburn’s First Victory Over Stetson

Coming into the matchup, Auburn carried a burden of historical futility against Stetson. The Tigers had never beaten the Hatters in previous meetings, with Stetson consistently finding ways to come out on top. But history was rewritten as the Tigers finally broke the streak, seizing a pivotal win at a critical moment.

The 2025 NCAA regional matchup was not just another game—it was a litmus test for a team looking to establish itself as a postseason force. For Auburn head coach Butch Thompson, who has steadily built a culture of accountability and competitive excellence, the victory was a testament to the program’s growth and maturity.

“We’ve been preparing all season for moments like this,” Thompson said in the postgame press conference. “To see the team execute, stay composed, and fight for every pitch—especially against a team like Stetson with such a strong baseball tradition—it means a lot.”

A Well-Rounded Effort: Pitching, Defense, and Timely Hitting

Auburn’s performance against Stetson was a textbook display of balanced baseball. From the mound to the batter’s box, the Tigers delivered under pressure.

On the pitching side, sophomore right-hander Carson Montgomery turned in one of the best starts of his college career. With an electric fastball and pinpoint control, Montgomery kept the Hatters’ hitters off-balance throughout the game. Over seven innings, he allowed just one earned run, striking out eight and walking only two. His ability to command the zone and neutralize Stetson’s top hitters was instrumental in keeping the game within Auburn’s grasp.

“I just trusted my stuff and let the defense work behind me,” Montgomery said. “Coach called a great game, and once we got the early lead, I knew it was my job to protect it.”

Defensively, Auburn was rock-solid. A couple of diving plays by shortstop Cole Foster and an outfield assist by sophomore center fielder Ike Irish cut down a Stetson runner at third base, snuffing out a potential rally in the sixth inning. These high-leverage defensive moments swung the momentum and helped preserve the Tigers’ lead.

On offense, Auburn struck early and added on late—a formula that has worked well for them throughout the postseason. Junior third baseman Bryson Ware delivered the game’s signature moment: a towering three-run homer in the bottom of the third inning that gave Auburn a 4–1 lead and ignited the crowd at Plainsman Park.

“We knew we had to strike first,” Ware said. “Stetson is a tough team. They don’t make mistakes. That home run gave us breathing room and confidence, and we just kept building from there.”

Auburn tacked on insurance runs in the fifth and seventh innings, thanks to clutch RBIs from freshman sensation Mason Neville and veteran first baseman Cooper Weiss. By the time closer Will Cannon came on in the ninth to shut the door, Auburn had built a comfortable 7–2 lead.

A Pivotal Moment in a Promising Postseason

The win against Stetson didn’t just advance Auburn in the regional—it sent a message to the rest of the NCAA baseball world. After a regular season marked by flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency, the Tigers are now hitting their stride when it matters most.

“This is a different team in June,” said senior catcher Nate LaRue. “We’ve matured, we’ve learned how to win close games, and we’re playing for each other. That’s what postseason baseball is all about.”

With the victory, Auburn moves into the regional final, one win away from securing a spot in the Super Regional round. Depending on results from the elimination bracket, Auburn may face either Stetson again or another team fighting to stay alive. Regardless of the opponent, the Tigers have put themselves in the driver’s seat, holding the crucial advantage of rest and bullpen flexibility.

Player Development and Veteran Leadership Key to Success

Auburn’s resurgence in the postseason is the result of months of development, both on and off the field. A mix of experienced upperclassmen and rising underclassmen has created a dynamic, resilient clubhouse.

Players like Bryson Ware and Nate LaRue provide vocal leadership and set the tone in practice and games, while younger talents like Mason Neville, Ike Irish, and pitcher Hayden Murphy bring energy and athleticism. The combination is proving to be a winning formula.

“We’ve got a great mix,” Coach Thompson said. “Our veterans know what it takes to win at this level, and our young guys are hungry and fearless. It’s a special group.”

Perhaps even more importantly, the Tigers have embraced an identity built around pitching and defense—two elements that tend to travel well in tournament play. With reliable starters, a dependable bullpen, and smart, aggressive defense, Auburn can control the pace of games and limit mistakes.

The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Auburn?

Looking ahead, Auburn must prepare for the challenges that come with being the regional frontrunner. The pressure intensifies in the double-elimination format, and no team will go down without a fight. However, by winning their first two regional games, Auburn avoids the wear and tear of the loser’s bracket and enters the final with fresh arms and confidence.

Scouting reports, bullpen management, and mental focus will be key as the Tigers prepare for the regional final. One more win punches their ticket to the Super Regional round—a goal that seemed ambitious at midseason but now feels within reach.

“This team believes,” said pitching coach Tim Hudson, the former MLB All-Star and Auburn alumnus. “They’ve put in the work. They’ve played the game the right way. Now they’re being rewarded.”

Historic Significance: More Than Just a Win

While the immediate implication of the win is Auburn’s advancement in the tournament, the historic context makes it even more meaningful. Defeating Stetson for the first time is symbolic of the program’s upward trajectory under Coach Thompson’s leadership. The Tigers are no longer just competing—they are winning against respected programs with postseason pedigree.

“It’s great to finally get that monkey off our back,” said athletic director John Cohen. “But more importantly, it shows that Auburn baseball is trending in the right direction.”

For fans and alumni, the victory also represents a proud moment. Plainsman Park was packed with enthusiastic supporters, many of whom have followed the team through highs and lows. The atmosphere was electric, and the players fed off the energy from the first pitch to the last out.

Final Thoughts: A New Era for Auburn Baseball?

As the Tigers look ahead to the next round, one thing is clear: this team is not satisfied. They came into the tournament with something to prove, and through two games, they’ve made a compelling case that they are built for the postseason.

Whether this run ends in Omaha or earlier, the program has laid the foundation for sustained success. With a strong recruiting pipeline, a deep coaching staff, and a clear identity, Auburn baseball is entering a new era—one defined by competitive excellence and postseason ambition.

And on a memorable night in June, they took a major step forward by finally toppling a long-time nemesis and positioning themselves one win away from regional glory.