What is Auburn’s pitching plan for its must-win game against Ole Miss?

Auburn baseball faces a high-stakes challenge this Saturday as the team looks to keep its season alive in a must-win Game 2 against Ole Miss.

Following a tough loss in Game 1 of the Super Regionals, the Tigers are in an elimination scenario. To turn the tide, Auburn head coach Butch Thompson has tapped redshirt sophomore right-hander Alex Petrovic to get the start on the mound.

The Man for the Job

Petrovic enters the matchup as a reliable anchor, boasting a 10-3 record and a solid 3.19 ERA. He has served as a workhorse for the pitching staff, leading the team with 87.1 innings pitched. His control has been sharp, with Petrovic racking up 87 strikeouts while issuing only 22 walks throughout the campaign.

Although he has primarily operated as Auburn's Game 3 starter this season, Petrovic is no stranger to high-pressure moments. He is coming off a strong outing last Sunday against Central Florida, where he tossed six innings and surrendered just two earned runs to help propel the Tigers into the regional final.

The Bullpen Plan

If the Tigers need to turn to the bullpen, right-hander Jackson Sanders stands as the primary option. Sanders has been a consistent force in relief since the start of SEC play, proving his mettle during the recent regional tournament.

"I don’t think there’s any doubt when you’re down, your back’s against the wall with the season that Petro and Sanders are two guys that we’re pointing toward tomorrow," Thompson stated.

Sanders brings plenty of confidence to the mound, carrying a 5-1 record with a 2.63 ERA. He has been lights-out in his 68.1 innings of work, recording 93 strikeouts against 24 walks. He enters this contest fresh off a five-inning performance against Milwaukee, where he allowed only one earned run and punched out eight batters.

The pivotal Game 2 between Auburn and Ole Miss is set for a 4 p.m. CT start on Saturday. Fans can catch all the action live on ESPN.