AU BASEBALL: Tigers win 7th in a row

By Collin Mickle

Published: March 11, 2008

The start of Southeastern Conference play is just around the corner.

And Auburn’s offense certainly looks ready.

The Tigers picked up their seventh consecutive win Tuesday against Appalachian State, a 17-0 victory. It’s the second time in the last three games that AU (11-4) has scored double-figure runs.

And while Appalachian State (7-7) isn’t exactly an SEC-level team, AU head coach Tom Slater says the Mountaineers are better than Tuesday’s score.

“Appalachian State’s a quality ballclub,” Slater said. “Appy’s already beaten N.C. State and Wake Forest, two top-25 clubs, earlier this season.
“Our guys were ready to play.”

The top of the order did most of the damage for AU: Leadoff man Trent Mummey was 2-for-2, walked twice and scored four runs, while No. 2 hitter Mike Bianucci had five RBI and hit his third home run of the season. Freshman Hunter Morris, the No. 3 hitter, and sophomore Joseph

Sanders, who hit cleanup, each scored two runs and had two RBI.

Tuesday’s blowout was a useful tuneup for the start of Auburn’s SEC schedule, which begins with a three-game series at Florida this weekend.

Auburn led 8-0 after two innings and added nine runs in the final three innings. The consistent offensive output — at least one Tiger reached base in every inning — was backed up by a strong pitching performance.

AU starter Luke Greinke (2-1) struck out seven Mountaineers in six scoreless innings.

The two-game midweek series concludes today at 6 p.m. Freshman left-hander Cory Luckie (2-1, 1.35), AU’s Sunday starter, will start for the Tigers, but won’t throw more than two innings.

| 737-2561