Gators blank Tigers 6-0
Auburn fell to Florida in game one of a pivotal regular season ending series 6-0 behind starting pitcher Hudson Randall's (6-1, 3.29 ERA) complete game shutout. Randall allowed only three hits while throwing just 102 pitches.
Florida came out of the gates swinging with one run in the first, and four more in the second to take an early 5-0 lead. Auburn starter Jon Luke Jacobs lasted just 1 1/3 innings allowing five earned runs.
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After allowing an early lead Jacobs would quickly be replaced by right-hander Jay Wade (1-0, 4.91 ERA), who would have a career night going 6 1/3 innings. Wade would only allow one run on four hits during his stint Thursday night.
"Jacobs is disappointed about tonight, and leaving some pitches up. Against quality ball clubs that is something you can't do, and hitting three batters also hurt us tonight," said Auburn skipper Jon Pawlowski.
The Tigers weren't able to string together many base hits only advancing one runner into scoring position throughout the game. Florida used two sacrifice flies, and a big two-run home run from Preston Tucker in the second to put the game out of reach early.
"Randall had great command tonight, and kept us really off-balance. We know what we have to do now, and hopefully we can use the next two games to big up two big wins heading into Hoover," said Tiger second baseman Creede Simpson.
With the loss, Auburn falls to (29-25, 12-16 SEC) on the season, while the Gators improve to (39-15, 17-11 SEC). Jacob's record falls to (5-3), while Randall improves to (7-1).
The two teams will face-off again tomorrow night at 6pm at Plainsman Park.
Auburn will send freshman southpaw Daniel Koger (3-4, 2.76 ERA) to the hill, while the Gators will counter with lefty Brian Johnson (3-4, 3.34 ERA).