Kevin Patterson’s pinch-hit, three-run homer in the eighth inning proved to be the difference as the Auburn Tigers defeated Ole Miss 5-3 at Oxford-University Stadium.
Trailing 3-1, Patterson replaced designated hitter Tony Caldwell against Ole Miss closer Brett Huber and swatted a towering 1-0 pitch down the right field line, scoring Justin Fradejas and Trent Mummey.
After facing the minimum in the eighth inning, Auburn closer Austin Hubbard struck out Tim Ferguson with runners on first and second to end the game and pick up his ninth save of the season.
Ole Miss starter Drew Pomeranz, who was pulled after walking Fradejas and surrendering a single to Mummey to open the eighth without registering an out, was saddled with his second loss of the season.
Eariler in the contest, Taylor Hashman hit a three-run homer over the left field wall in the sixth inning to put the Rebels ahead 3-1. Hashman’s eighth homer of the season scored Matt Smith and Matt Snyder.
Auburn third baseman Dan Gamache tallied the first run of the game with a solo homer in the third inning, while an RBI-single from Casey McElroy brought the score to 3-2 in the seventh.
Auburn middle reliever Bradley Hendrix picked up the win, pitching a scoreless seventh inning.
K-MACHINE: With back-to-back strikeouts of Tigers to end the top of the seventh, Pomeranz tied former Rebel Lance Lynn for first in career strikeouts with 332. Pomeranz finished with six strikeouts in the game.
NEXT UP: Game 2 is set for Friday at 6:30 p.m. Aaron Barrett will take the mound for Ole Miss. Auburn has not announced its starter. (May 20, 2010)
[...] LOOKING BACK: Recapping Auburn’s three-game sweep of Ole Miss to close out the regular season. —AU puts on hitting clinic. —Tigers finish off sweep of Rebels. —Tigers jump on Rebels to claim West outright. —Patterson’s blast lifts Tigers past Rebels. —Patterson powers Tigers past Rebels with late homer. [...]