March 2, 2008

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -

CUNNINGHAM GETS FIRST RBI: David Cunningham drove in his first RBI of the season with a one-out, bases loaded single to right, but that was all Auburn could get as Kevin Patterson grounded into an inning-ending double play. Going to bottom of the eighth, it is FSU 8, AU 1.

I am headed down to the dugout after this half inning. Check back later for a full recap.

BOTTOM OF THE SEVENTH - PITCHING CHANGE: Sean Ray is making his Auburn debut, entering with one down and two on in the seventh. Entering the game in the half inning for Auburn was Trent Mummey in CF and David Cunningham at 3B. Still in the 7th, it is FSU 8, AU 0.

NOOCH EXTENDS HITTING STREAK: Mike Bianucci extended his hitting streak to 14 games with a double in the top half of the sixth. It was his 11th double in the hitting streak, which began last May against Vanderbilt. Unfortunately, the Tigers were not able to score after getting two on with none out in the top half of the inning, with FSU pitcher Mike McGee making a very athletic play on a comebacker by Joseph Sanders and looking Justin Hargett back to third to keep Auburn off the board. Heading to the bottom of the 6th, FSU 7, AU 0.

Today's attendance: 5,704

BOTTOM OF THE FIFTH - PITCHING CHANGE: Second pitching change of the game for Auburn as out goes Hurst and in comes Evan Crawford.

The fans here at Dick Howser Stadium really get into the game. Every time FSU scores a run, they get up and spell out Florida State - and we have heard it way too often today. Still in the 5th, it is FSU 6, AU 0.

BOTTOM OF THE FOURTH - PITCHING CHANGE: Auburn pitching change - out is Hubbard, in is Michael Hurst. FSU 4, AU 0 with a runner on 2nd and none out.

HEY UMP, YOU'RE A MEATHEAD! At least that's what The Animals of Section B yelled at the third base ump after he called out Tyler Holt on an attempted steal of second. After two, FSU 3, Auburn 0 with Hall, Greinke and Hargett coming to bat.

AFTER THE FIRST: Not a good start for the Tigers as they waste a leadoff walk to Luke Greinke and then give up three runs before recording an out in the bottom half. Austin Hubbard did settle down after that to strike out two as FSU sent nine men to the plate. After one, FSU 3, Auburn 0.

Between innings they introduced three paratroopers to the crowd, including FSU second baseman Jason Stidham's brother. These individuals are responsible for rescuing US military personal that have been downed behind enemy lines. The crowd, which is close to yesterday's in size at first glance, gave the three men a very nice round of ovation.

NOW THAT'S MUSIC!: At least that's what FSU coach Mike Martin yelled towards me as I was standing on the top step of the dugout watching FSU batting practice as a country song came on. I am not sure what song it was, but am trying to find out.

There was a Cory Dueitt sighting at the park today - well, not Cory himself, but someone wearing a 'DUEITT' #14 jersey. I spotted him after I came back to the press box, so I couldn't ask AU Director of Baseball Operations Scott Duval if he was a relative of Cory's or not. For those of you that don't know, Cory lettered at AU from 2001-04.

We are roughly 20 mins from first pitch. The game is airing on ACC Select, which is a program the ACC does where it provides every conference school with the equipment to broadcast games. Not sure of cost on a per-game basis, but I do know that for $24 you can watch all ACC baseball games that are broadcast this way.

The Tigers are wearing their blue 'AUBURN' tops with grey pants for today's game.

12:15 PM ET: Team arrived at the field at 11 am ET this morning and did some stretching until BP began at 11:45. For the second straight day, Auburn is taking BP first.

How's this for preparation? Volunteer Assistant Coach Scott Sullivan, a nine-year MLB veteran, threw the first two rounds of BP. Combined, the players had to pick up seven balls that hit the backstop - talk about being able to locate!

The lineup for today:
Greinke...CF:
Hargett...2B:
Bianucci...RF:
Morris...1B:
Sanders...3B:
Patterson...DH:
Fletcher...LF:
Caldwell...C:
Mall...SS:
Hubbard...P:

A little more about the area surrounding Dick Howser...Doak Campbell Stadium is right next to the baseball stadium with a small grassy area and walkway between the two. The football practice fields are behind the third base grandstand. Next to the practice fields is the Soccer/Softball complex and all of the buildings on campus have the same brick look to them. Beyond the wall in center is the pool.

by Dan Froehlich, Auburn Media Relations