Auburn picks up thrilling Game 2 win over Florida to even series
By Andrew Olson
Published:
In a game where miscues loomed large, the Auburn defense came up with a huge play when the Tigers needed it the most. Up 5-3 with the bases loaded, No. 13 Auburn turned a 5-4-3 double play to secure the win over No. 20 Florida, evening the series in Gainesville.
The Tigers were in the position to win because of a big night from Mason McCraine. He went 2-for-5 on the night with both hits being home runs, accounting for 3 RBIs.
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McCraine’s first home run came when he took advantage of an at-bat he wasn’t supposed to get. In the top of the 4th inning, Brandon McCraine, Mason’s brother, stepped to the plate with a runner on second base and 2 outs. Brandon hit an infield pop-up, but Florida third baseman Kolt Myers missed it. Since it was 2 outs, E Bingaman was running the whole time from second base, and scored with the ball landing fair.
Take 'em however you can get 'em.
— Auburn Baseball (@AuburnBaseball) April 17, 2026
We're tied at two. pic.twitter.com/2gnyNVhXay
Mason McCraine took full advantage of the gifted at-bat, and hit a 2-run homer to swing the gam 4-2 in Auburn’s favor.
Going … going … GONE! @mccraine_mason makes 'em pay! pic.twitter.com/kOEeDr9u5A
— Auburn Baseball (@AuburnBaseball) April 17, 2026
McCraine entered the game with just 1 home run on the season and tripled his total for 2026 with a second dinger in the top of the 6th, making it 5-3.
Have a night, @mccraine_mason!
— Auburn Baseball (@AuburnBaseball) April 17, 2026
He smacks one to straightaway CF! pic.twitter.com/az2blKSgFj
Auburn starter Jake Marciano went 4 innings, allowing 3 runs but only 1 was earned due to fielding issues in the 3rd inning when the Gators scored 2. Jackson Sanders was the winning pitcher, tossing 4.1 shutout innings in relief, allowing only 1 hit and striking out 6 while walking 5. In the 9th, Butch Thompson called on Ryan Hetzler to get the final 2 outs, which came in dramatic fashion after Florida loaded the bases.
JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED!
— Auburn Baseball (@AuburnBaseball) April 18, 2026
Guevara Rembert Madrigal pic.twitter.com/whXAh3OyfF
Game 3 will decide the series on Saturday. First pitch is set for noon ET with the game airing on ESPN2.
Who will win it all this year? Predict the college baseball national champion on Kalshi!
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
