Alabama Week 9 Review
The Crimson Tide swept Arkansas in Fayetteville for the first time since 2000 last weekend (May 14-15). In the series finale, Alabama trailed the Razorbacks, 4-3, heading into the ninth inning, but the Tide scored four runs to secure a 7-4 win and the sweep. UA improved to 30-21 overall and 15-12 in league play. Alabama will host South Carolina this weekend (May 19-21) in the final conference series before the SEC Tournament.
Auburn Week 9 Review
Auburn’s quest to reach the SEC Tournament suffered a setback last weekend at the hands of one of the best teams in college baseball. Mississippi State swept Auburn over the weekend, and the Bulldogs dominated all three games of the series. Auburn fell to 22-30 overall and 8-19 in conference play. The Tigers travel to Nashville to take on Vanderbilt this weekend.
SEC baseball rankings
1. Florida (43-9, 18-8)
2. TexasA&M (39-11, 18-9)
3. South Carolina (38-13, 17-9)
4. Mississippi State (37-14, 18-9)
5. Vanderbilt (37-15, 15-12)
6. Ole Miss (39-13, 17-10)
7. LSU (36-16, 17-10)
8. Alabama (30-21, 15-12)
9. Kentucky (29-23, 13-14)
10. Georgia (26-26, 10-17)
11. Missouri (25-27, 8-19)
12. Auburn (22-30, 8-19)
13. Arkansas (26-25, 7-20)
14. Tennessee (26-26, 7-20)
Week 10 Previewsand Predictions
Missouri at Kentucky. There are four teams battling for the last two spots in the SEC Tournament, and only one game separates them heading into the final weekend of the regular season. Missouri and Auburn have a one-game advantage over Arkansas and Tennessee, but that can all change easily this weekend. Series Prediction: Kentucky 2, Missouri 1.
Tennessee at Georgia. In all likelihood, Tennessee will need at least two wins over Georgia to reach the postseason. The Volunteers probably have the most favorable matchup of the four teams vying for the last two spots, but also haven’t fared well in conference play the last few weeks. Series Prediction: Georgia 3, Tennessee 0.
Florida at LSU. The top-ranked Gators remain the team to beat both in the SEC and in the country. They also will likely be the top overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. LSU is only one game back in the SEC West Division, but stealing a game or two from Florida will be very challenging for the Tigers. Series Prediction: Florida 2, LSU 1.
Auburn at Vanderbilt. After being swept last weekend by Mississippi State, Auburn likely needs at least one victory to feel good about its chances to make the SEC Tournament. Unfortunately for the Tigers, Vanderbilt is one of the best teams in the conference, and the Commodores have been one of the best programs in college baseball the last few years. Series Prediction: Vanderbilt 3, Auburn 0.
Arkansas at Mississippi State. If the Bulldogs can sweep Arkansas, they likely will win the SEC West. The top of the division has been very close all season, but Mississippi State has had the advantage of playing the two weakest teams in the division at the end of the year. A year ago, the Bulldogs were the worst team in the conference. Now, they are one of the 10 best teams in the entire country. Series Prediction: Mississippi State 3, Arkansas 0.
Ole Miss at Texas A&M. Texas A&M currently is tied with Mississippi State atop the SEC West standings, but the Aggies are facing a much tougher opponent to close out the year. Ole Miss is also in the mix for the West Division crown after last weekend’s impressive sweep over Kentucky. Both the Rebels and Aggies likely will host a regional tournament and are in the mix to host a Super Regional. Series Prediction: Texas A&M 2, Ole Miss 1.
South Carolina at Alabama. Alabama is comfortably in the middle of the pack of the SEC, but winning a series against South Carolina could provide a confidence boost for the Crimson Tide entering the postseason. The Gamecocks lost a series to Texas A&M last weekend but remain among the elite teams in college baseball. Series Prediction: South Carolina 2, Alabama 1.