Auburn going with 'confident approach' against LSU
Auburn hosts No. 14 LSU this weekend with both teams looking for their first conference series win.
AUBURN | Auburn scored four runs in the first inning of Tuesday’s 10-1 win over Alabama. Butch Thompson wants his Tigers to take the same approach as they host No. 14 LSU this weekend for a three-game series.
“I want our offense to keep building confidence that whoever roles in here we have success in Plainsman Park,” Thompson said. “That’s the attitude we take with all the respect in the world for LSU’s pitchers, for their coaching staff, but at the same time, we have to be prepared and know that we can play offense.
“We’ll go with a very confident approach. Respect our opponent but be ready to come out in the first inning just like we did on Tuesday.”
Despite Auburn’s 1-5 start in conference play, there’s plenty of reasons for confidence. Auburn is second in the SEC in batting average (.326), third in doubles (55), fifth in home runs (21), fifth in runs scored (194) and tied for fifth in stolen bases (38).
“The capabilities, the potential from top to bottom (of our lineup) is as impressive as any team I’ve been a part of,” Thompson said.
Of course, it starts at the top with junior centerfielder Anfernee Grier, who leads the conference in seven statistical categories including batting average (.434), hits (46), runs (35), slugging percentage (.708) and home runs (7).
“I think he’s been more about the process, more about how can I be developed as a player every day and he’s just focused on his game from a practice standpoint so strongly that positive things are showing up for him in games. He’s not so result oriented,” Thompson said.
LSU enters the series 2-4 in the conference, dropping 2 of 3 to both Alabama and Texas A&M. LSU is eighth in the SEC in hitting (.295), ninth in pitching (3.75 ERA) and seventh in fielding (.975).
LSU’s starting rotation will be sophomore right-hander Alex Lange (2-1, 4.21) Friday, junior left-hander Jared Poche’ (2-3, 2.55) Saturday and senior left-hander John Valek III (4-1, 2.34) Sunday. Auburn will counter with senior right-hander Justin Camp (1-1, 4.71) Friday, junior right-hander Cole Lipscomb (1-2, 5.27) Saturday and TBA Sunday.
“We’re coming off a good win and still looking for our first conference series win just like LSU so both teams know the importance of this,” Thompson said. “There are eight weekends left but the next two or three weekends are very important to us.”
Auburn’s next two series are at Missouri next weekend and then back home against Tennessee. The two teams are a combined 2-10 in the conference.
Times for this weekend’s series at Plainsman Park are set for 6 p.m. CT Friday, 3 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. All three games will be carried on SECN+ and WatchESPN.