Tigers conclude fall ball with offensive explosion

AUBURN | It’ll be steak and all the trimmings for the Orange team. The Blue team will be dining on hot dogs with no condiments.

Auburn concluded its intra-squad world series with the Orange taking 3 of 4 games including a thrilling 11-10 win Sunday evening at Plainsman Park.

“The guys competed great. We had a good fall,” said AU coach Butch Thompson. “The leadoff men got on, our offense was great this fall. Everything we focused on, I thought we achieved from that standpoint.

“Defensively, the chaos of guys playing these multiple positions will need to cease when we come back in January. Pitching staff, I think about half are ready to be competitive at this level. The other half is not. That’s probably our biggest challenge. We have enough talent there.”

Todd Clay had at least six hits in the four games including four for extra-bases while Lucas Steele had four hits including a home run and three RBI. In game four’s offensive explosion, Cade Belyeu had two home runs and five RBI, and Bub Terrell four hits including a home run and three RBI.

A couple of freshmen also had big swings with Tanner Waldrop hitting a 3-run home run in game two and Wade Shelley a 2-run home run in game three and a 3-RBI double in game four.

Some pitching standouts from the world series included Jackson Sanders, who threw three scoreless innings in game one, and Garrett Brewer, who finished off game three with two scoreless innings.

“Todd Clay was the most consistent hitter for all four ball games. I don’t think there’s any doubt,” said Thompson. “I feel good about the opportunity that everybody had. Everybody got a fair shake and an opportunity to showcase here since August.

“Now, we’ll have to go from two teams to one team. We’ll have to go from 20 pitchers to 10 pitchers to start this journey.”

While AU’s offense was the highlight throughout fall practice, Thompson did single out a few pitchers.

“I believe in Jake Marciano as a starter,” said Thompson. “Griffin Graves, ever since he kinda came on at the end of last year, I feel like he absolutely took that and ran with it. I feel like that’s definitely a piece. The players absolutely believe in Garrett Brewer at the end of the ball game.

“I don’t want to mention too many pieces because there’s still so many spots open.”

Auburn will begin preseason practice Jan. 12. The season opens Feb. 13.