Baylor Breaks Through, Tops Auburn

The Baylor Bears (2-3) bounced back in their second game of the Round Rock Classic, defeating the Auburn Tigers (5-2), 12-6.  The previously undefeated Tigers have yet to win a game in the annual prelude to conference baseball play.  This was the first meeting of the two schools. 

Baylor jumped to an early lead with a run in the top of the first.  They added 2 runs each in the third and fourth, before Auburn crossed the plate, making it a 5-1 ballgame.  An explosive fifth and sixth inning added 7 runs to Auburn 1.  The Tiger attempted a late comeback with a run in the eight and 3 in the ninth. 

Baylor starting pitcher Tyler Thomas (1-0) earn the win, allowing 2 runs (1 earned) on 4 hits in 5 innings pitch. Thomas was assisted in long relief by Jimmy Winston.  Travis Hester and Logan Freeman teamed to close out the final frame. 

Richard Fitts endured the loss for Auburn, giving up 7 runs (6 earned) on 9 hits 4.1 innings.  Brooks Fuller shared in the pitching batting practice to Baylor, allowing 5 runs on 5 hits in 1.2 innings.  Peyton Galvin pitched 3 innings of scoreless relief. 

Baylor’s attack was led by second-year freshman Jared McKenzie.  The Round Rock native must of felt the hometown mojo, going 3-for-5 at the plate with 2 home runs and 3 RBIs. 

JUCO transfers Jack Pineda and Antonio Valdez added some spark to the Bear lineup.  Pineda had 2 base hits and a walk in 5 at-bats, while Valdez went 2-for-3 with 3 RBIs. 

Kyle Niven, son of MLB veteran Phil Niven, added 3 hits and 1 RBI in 5 appearances.  And Esteban Cardoza-Oquendo added 2 hits and 2 RBIs.  Cardoza-Oquendo was very familiar with Dell Diamond, the host of the Round Rock Classic, having played there last summer in the Texas Collegiate League. 

Tyler Miller and Kason Howell generated the majority of the Auburn offense.  Miller produced 3 runs on 3 hits in 4 plate appearances.  Howell went 2-for-4 for 2 RBIs.