The Auburn baseball Tigers saw their season hang by a thread on Thursday night, dropping a 13-8 decision to Milwaukee in the opening game of the Auburn Regional. The loss came despite entering the tournament as the No. 4 national seed and boasting one of the country’s most potent pitching staffs.
Auburn’s early lead evaporated quickly as starter Jake Marciano surrendered six earned runs on eight hits in just 29 pitches, and reliever LJ Cormier added four more earned runs on four hits over 2.2 innings. The mound woes underscored a rough night for a staff that had been a cornerstone of the team’s success.
Coach Butch Thompson Calls for a Turnaround
Coach Butch Thompson, who has guided the program for more than a decade, stressed that the Tigers must rediscover their early‑season form if they hope to stay alive. ‘We have to be at our best,’ he said, acknowledging that the next contest will decide whether the seniors’ college careers end here.
Third baseman Eric Guevara emerged as one of the few bright spots, driving in four runs and showcasing the offensive firepower that had carried Auburn to double‑digit scores in seven of its last eleven games. His effort highlighted the stakes for the team’s graduating class.
The loss also highlighted a broader pattern: despite a strong offensive resume, the pitching staff struggled to contain opposing rallies, allowing multiple runs early and never fully recovering. Milwaukee’s timely hitting turned a potentially close game into a decisive victory.
With the tournament bracket tightening, Auburn now faces a must‑win situation. The team’s ability to rally behind Thompson’s message and Guevara’s leadership will be tested in the coming days.