AUBURN, Alabama (EETV) - Nate LaRue hit a single to bring in Brooks Carlson for the walk-off run in the tenth inning against Alabama State last night. No. 19 Auburn (25-12) won 6-5 at Plainsman Park for the Tigers' 14th comeback win of the season.
"We hung around and found a way to get it done," said head coach Butch Thompson. "I'm glad to get the win and thankful to move along. We knew this was going to be a big week at home. Tonight was one step, but it was a hard step. I look for it to be like that the rest of the week. We have to keep our heads down, take whatever comes, and play as hard as we possibly can."
To reach extra innings, Blake Rambusch hit an infield single with two strikes, two outs, and the bases loaded. Rambusch's hit brought Bobby Peirce in to score the game's tying run. Six outs later, LaRue steps up to the plate facing two outs with two on base. LaRue hit a single to left field to bring in Carlson from second base and win the game.
"As a team, we came together and said that we weren't going to lose this game no matter what we had to do. We were going to figure out a way to get the win," Rambusch said. "In my at-bat, I was just trying to stay calm and do something good for my team. I was able to get lucky and get a little tip off the pitcher's glove on the hit."
Mason Barnett started on the mound for the Tigers and delivered eight strikeouts in his five innings played. Barnett only let up one run in his time.
Blake Burkhalter finished what Barnett started for Auburn striking five players out in his two innings played and allowing only one hit with no runs. Burkhalter was given his fourth win of the season after his performance closing the game.
"I'm just glad I got to go in there and do my job," Burkhalter said. "I didn't want to give up any runs, obviously, and just wanted to give the team the best chance to win."
Carson Skipper, Barnett and Burkhalter struck out 16 batters without a walk in the game.
Sonny DiChiara continued his strong hitting with two hits in his three at bats with one run batted in.
Auburn gets back in the action with another mid-week game tonight against Kennesaw State at 6 p.m. CT in Plainsman Park.
