Texas Home Win Over No. 9 Auburn Sets Stage for Friday Showdown

AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas baseball team opened its three-game series against Auburn on Thursday with a narrow 3-2 victory at UFCU Disch-Falk Field. The win solidified Texas’s position at No. 1 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, improving its record to 31-5 overall and 14-2 in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play.

The Longhorns have excelled at home against top-10 opponents, boasting a 6-1 record in such matches this season. Their recent victories include a series win over then-No. 2 LSU and a sweep of then-No. 3 teams earlier this month.

The match against Auburn, ranked ninth in the nation, showcased Texas’s resilience. After trailing 2-0, Texas mounted a comeback, scoring three runs. Key contributions came from freshman Kimble Schuessler, who hit a go-ahead solo home run in the seventh inning, and Max Grubbs, who pitched 4 1/3 innings of shutout relief after coming in for the injured Jared Spencer.

“I just wanted to do what I could to help the team win,” Grubbs said after the game. “It was a tough spot to come in, but I felt confident.”

Texas’s scoring began in the third inning with an RBI double from Jalin Flores, who continues to deliver crucial hits. According to Texas records, 21 of Flores’ 38 RBIs this season have either tied the game or given Texas the lead.

Auburn took an early lead in the second inning, with Chris Rembert and Ike Irish connecting for pivotal hits that led to a two-run homer. Spencer’s struggles on the mound ultimately forced Texas’s coaching staff to make the quick switch to Grubbs.

The Longhorns will look to build on this momentum as they face Auburn again on Friday. The first pitch has been moved up to 6 p.m. CT from its original time of 7 p.m.

“We have to come out strong again,” Texas head coach Jim Schlossnagle said. “Every game matters, especially against a rival like Auburn.”

As the Texas pitching staff looks to deliver another strong performance, the team hopes to secure what would be their first-ever win over Auburn, given they are 0-2-1 in their all-time series against the Tigers. The last matchup was a tie during a doubleheader in 1912.

On the opposing side, Auburn enters the series having won six consecutive games. The Tigers are led by head coach Butch Thompson, who praised Texas as a well-prepared team. “They play really solid defense and are technically sound,” Thompson noted.

Auburn starting pitcher Cade Fisher expressed confidence in his team, stating, “We’re just as good, if not better than them. We can compete with them.”

Fans can follow live score updates for the upcoming series, which will not be broadcast on television, but will be available for streaming on SEC Network+. Radio broadcasts for all Auburn baseball games will be available through WMSP AM and WGZZ FM in Montgomery.