Auburn and Alabama Week 5 Review
Auburn lost two out of three games to rival Alabama last weekend in Tuscaloosa. The Tigers won the opener, 2-1, behind a dominant pitching performance from Dillon Ortman. The Crimson Tide bounced back with a 4-1 victory in the second game. Alabama pitcher Justin Kamplain allowed only one run in eight and 2/3 innings. In the finale, Alabama outfielder Casey Hughston hit a RBI double in extra innings to give the Crimson Tide a 4-3 win. Alabama improved to 26-11 overall, and 10-5 in conference play. Auburn dropped to 21-17 overall, and 6-9 in league play.
SEC Baseball Standings
1. LSU (28-9, 8-6)
2. Florida (24-13, 9-6)
3. South Carolina (28-9, 8-7)
4. Vanderbilt (28-10, 7-8)
5. Alabama 26-11, 10-5)
6. Ole Miss (29-9, 9-6)
7. Mississippi State (23-15, 7-8)
8. Arkansas (23-15, 7-8)
9. Tennessee (24-11, 6-9)
10. Kentucky (24-13, 7-8)
11. Georgia (21-15, 7-7)
12. Texas A&M (23-15, 7-8)
13. Auburn (21-17, 6-9)
14. Missouri (17-18, 6-9)
Week 6 Previews and Predictions
Thursday, April 17 – Sunday, April 20
Alabama at Tennessee. Alabama currently leads the SEC West by one game, but its lead could evaporate with one bad series. Tennessee is three games behind Florida in the SEC East, so the Vols must win this series to stay in the mix for the division crown. Alabama’s opponents in the last half of the season are some of the best in the conference, and a series win over Tennessee would go a long way towards winning the SEC regular season title. Series Prediction: Tennessee 2, Alabama 1.
Vanderbilt at Arkansas. The Commodores are coming off of a disappointing home series loss to Texas A&M, but they are still only two games behind in the SEC East. Arkansas is one of the best home teams in the league, as the Hogs have knocked off South Carolina and Alabama at home already this season. Series Prediction: Arkansas 2, Vanderbilt 1.
South Carolina at Auburn. The Tigers have lost seven of their last nine SEC games, and they’re welcoming one of the best teams in the country this weekend. Auburn’s postseason chances are looking bleaker by the day, but a series win over the Gamecocks would help tremendously. South Carolina still has a chance to win the SEC East, although losing a home series to Florida last weekend didn’t help matters. Series Prediction: South Carolina 3, Auburn 0.
Georgia at Florida. The Gators are one of the most talented teams in the country and they are in the driver’s seat in the SEC East. Georgia has played well recently, but winning in Gainesville is a difficult task. Series Prediction: Florida 3, Georgia 0.
Kentucky at Texas A&M. The Aggies have had an up-and-down season in defeating Florida, and Vanderbilt and losing to Georgia and Auburn. A series win over Kentucky is a must if for the Aggies to make the postseason. The parity in the SEC is most evident with Kentucky. The Wildcats won a series against Florida but followed up with a series loss to Missouri. Series Prediction: Texas A&M 2, Kentucky 1.
Mississippi State at Missouri. The Bulldogs lost a home series to rival Ole Miss last weekend, but State fans still shouldn’t panic with this team. Last year’s team peaked at the right time, and this squad has the potential to do the same. However, the Bulldogs need to win the series against Missouri this weekend. Series Prediction: Mississippi State 3, Missouri 0.
Series of the Week
LSU at Ole Miss. Both the Tigers and Rebels defeated rivals last weekend. After a devastating loss in the series’ second game, Ole Miss responded with a 12-2 trouncing of the Bull-dogs to win the series. Winners of five of their last six SEC games, the Rebels are playing their best ball of the season. LSU has also won five of its last six SEC games, including a sweep of Mississippi State. The winner of this series has the best chance to catch Alabama for the SEC West title. Series Prediction: Ole Miss 2, LSU 1.