By Cole Frederick/Sports Correspondent
Auburn Week 6 Review
The Tigers won a pivotal home series against West Division foe Arkansas last weekend. Auburn dominated the first game, 15-2, behind three hits and four RBI from third baseman Josh Anthony. The Razorbacks won the second game, 7-3, and Auburn won the series finale, 11-6, due to three more RBI from Anthony and three RBI from shortstop Luke Jarvis. The Tigers improved to 30-13 overall and 12-6 in league play. They travel to Starkville this weekend (April 28-30) to take on Mississippi State.
Alabama Week 6 Review
The Crimson Tide suffered another three-game sweep over the weekend against Mississippi State. The Bulldogs won every game of the series by one run, including a 13-12 victory in 13 innings in the series finale. MSU narrowly defeated Alabama, 6-5, in the first game of the series and won the second game, 4-3. Alabama dropped to 15-26 overall and 2-16 in conference play. UA hosts West Division rival LSU this weekend (April 27-29).
SEC baseball rankings
1. Auburn (30-13, 12-6)
2. Mississippi (29-14, 13-5)
3. Arkansas (33-10, 12-6)
4. Kentucky (28-13, 12-6)
5. LSU (27-15, 10-8)
6. Florida (27-13, 10-8)
7. Texas A&M (29-13, 10-8)
8. South Carolina (24-15, 9-9)
9. Ole Miss (25-16, 9-9)
10. Vanderbilt (25-16, 9-9)
11. Missouri (27-15, 8-10)
12. Tennessee (20-17, 5-13)
13. Georgia (17-25, 5-13)
14. Alabama (15-26, 2-16)
Week 7 preview and predictions
Series of the Week: Auburn at Mississippi State. After taking two games from Arkansas last weekend, the Tigers are now one game back of Mississippi State in the SEC West. Auburn will have the chance to move into first place in the conference against the Bulldogs but must do so in one of the toughest environments in college baseball. The Bulldogs swept Alabama last week but face a much tougher task against the streaking Tigers. Series Prediction: Mississippi State 2, Auburn 1.
Ole Miss at Arkansas. Despite losing the series to Auburn, the Razorbacks are only one game back in the SEC West. Arkansas will attempt to regain its lead in the division and the conference against a talented but inconsistent Ole Miss team. The Rebels are an NCAA Tournament-caliber team and are capable of winning this series on the road, but this series is far more important to Arkansas. Series Prediction: Arkansas 2, Ole Miss 1.
LSU at Alabama. With Alabama’s postseason chances almost certainly off the table, the Crimson Tide will have to settle for playing spoiler for other conference teams for the remainder of the season. LSU is attempting to thrust itself back into mix for the top team in the SEC West and will need a sweep of the Tide to keep up with the top of the SEC West. Series Prediction: LSU 3, Alabama 0.
Florida at Georgia. Georgia and Tennessee are currently tied for 12th in the SEC, and one of these two teams will miss the SEC Tournament. Every win is important, even if they don’t win the series overall. Florida is only two games behind Kentucky in the SEC East, and a sweep over the Bulldogs is a must if the Gators want to close that gap. Series Prediction: Florida 3, Georgia 0.
Kentucky at South Carolina. The Gamecocks are three games behind Kentucky in the SEC East but have a golden opportunity to make up some ground as they host the Wildcats this weekend. Kentucky has Florida, South Carolina and Vanderbilt all within striking distance, so a series win over the Gamecocks – especially on the road – would be crucial. Series Prediction: South Carolina 2, Kentucky 1.
Texas A&M at Missouri. Missouri has been the most improved team in the SEC East, and at this point in the season looks like an NCAA Tournament team. Texas A&M is in the middle of the pack in the SEC West but is still in position to make a run down the stretch. This is a pivotal series for both teams. Series Prediction: Texas A&M 2, Missouri 1.
Tennessee at Vanderbilt. Tennessee needs to steal at least one game from Vanderbilt on the road to improve its position for the SEC Tournament. If the Vols are swept they will be in serious jeopardy of missing the conference tournament. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt has an opportunity to gain ground on Kentucky in the SEC East, and a sweep this weekend would put the Nashville squad much closer to the top of the division. Series Prediction: Vanderbilt 3, Tennessee 0.