Backs Are to the Wall For Tiger Baseball Today
by aubtigerman on May 26, 2011 9:06 AM CDT
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Kevin Patterson had a 2 run double in Wednesday's loss to South Carolina.
The 2011 Auburn Baseball season will either continue or end today when the Tigers take on Georgia in an elimination game in the SEC Tournament.
In Wednesday's game Auburn appeared to have things in hand as the Tigers jumped out to a 3-0 first inning lead over South Carolina. However, the Gamecocks showed why they are the No.1 team in the nation when they came storming back to take a 7-3 victory at Birmingham's Regions Park.
South Carolina's ace Michael Roth settled down after that first inning and held the Tigers to six hits and two walks while pitching a complete game.
All-SEC catcher Tony Caldwell and First Baseman Kevin Patterson provided the Tiger offense. Caldwell (1-for-3) drove in Auburn's first run with a two-out single and Patterson (2-for-4) drove in two with a double.
Auburn took two of three from Georgia during the regular season but the Bulldogs will be fighting to stay alive in the tournament too.
For the Tigers, (29-28) this game will be a do or die situation. They have to finish over .500 to have an opportunity to be eligible for the NCAA Tournament. A loss today would not only eliminate them from the SEC Tournament, but effectively eliminate them from any chance at the NCAA Tournament and end their season altogether.
Auburn Head Coach John Pawlowski said. "Our guys understand the magnitude of (the game) and they know we have to go out and play hard if we want to stick around for another day."
Lets go Tigers. Beat them Dawgs!
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I was at yesterday's game
That Roth is something else. He has some weird mechanics. I can’t make it today, I hope we pull it out. Shouldn’t Auburn’s RPI help get them considered for NCAA even if they lose today?
by GreenvilleAUfan on May 26, 2011 9:20 AM CDT reply actions
Auburn is in the same boat Georgia is in:
Both have solid RPIs, despite their won-lost records, because of the tough schedules they played. However, NCAA rules require a team to be over .500 in order to be eligible to participate in the NCAA Tournament. Auburn is 29-28; a loss today would strand the Tigers at .500 for the season. Georgia is 28-29; the Diamond Dogs need to win today, then win two more before elimination, which would leave them at 31-30. Otherwise, Georgia will finish at or below .500, as well.
In other words, the answer to your question is, yes, Auburn’s RPI (like Georgia’s) should get them considered for the NCAA Tournament, even if they lose today, but the rules prohibit such consideration for teams who finish at or below .500. Both teams would be out of luck with a loss today.
Go 'Dawgs!
T Kyle is right.
I think the .500 rule passed in 2007 and went into effect in ‘08. So some better teams (with high RPI’s) may stay at home while teams from weaker conferences with one game above .500 may get in.
It doesn’t look good right now for the Tigers, they are one run down in the seventh. If they don’t pull it out, it really won’t be the .500 rule that does them in … we have had countless chances this season to win one more game and didn’t get it done. We had several one run losses. So … one run between a West Div. Championship and the NCAA – And not making the NCAA field.
AubTigerman
"The reason you come to Auburn is because of Auburn people.This is a special place, from the coaches all the way to the fans" - Andrew McCain OT
It's over, Ga. 3 - Auburn 2 ... Man I sure hate losing to Dogs.
AubTigerman
"The reason you come to Auburn is because of Auburn people.This is a special place, from the coaches all the way to the fans" - Andrew McCain OT
Thanks and good luck the rest of the tournament.
AubTigerman
"The reason you come to Auburn is because of Auburn people.This is a special place, from the coaches all the way to the fans" - Andrew McCain OT
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