About Last Night…
Three Pitchers, Two Wins, and a Long Night: Auburn Survives the Storm to Advance
Regional baseball is supposed to test a team's depth.
On Sunday, Auburn answered that challenge with three pitchers.
Not three pitchers in one game. Three pitchers across an entire rain-delayed doubleheader.
After weather delays disrupted the start of Game 1 and created an already unusual day at the ballpark, the Tigers somehow navigated 18 innings of postseason baseball using only Djordje Petrovic, Ryan Hetzler, and Konner Cormier.
By the time the final out was recorded well after midnight, Auburn had two wins, a rested bullpen, and plenty of momentum moving forward.
That's not normal.
It's not supposed to happen.
But Sunday wasn't a normal day.
The weather became a factor almost immediately. Delays before first pitch and during the opening innings of Game 1 prevented either team from finding much rhythm early. What could have become a frustrating afternoon instead turned into a showcase of Auburn's composure.
Once the game finally settled down, Petrovic took control.
The Auburn starter gave the Tigers exactly what they needed, working six innings against a dangerous UCF lineup. In a postseason setting where every bullpen decision matters, Petrovic's ability to cover six innings allowed Auburn to avoid burning through valuable arms.
Then the ball was handed to Ryan Hetzler.
And Auburn's day changed.
Hetzler entered Game 1 and immediately slammed the door shut. Over three innings, he allowed just one hit, struck out five, and never gave UCF a chance to climb back into the game.
For most pitchers, that would have been enough work for the day.
Not Hetzler.
Approximately 45 minutes after recording the final outs against UCF, he was back on the mound.
This time as Auburn's starter.
With Game 2 against Milwaukee not beginning until 10:10 p.m., the Tigers turned to the right-hander once again. What followed was one of the most impressive pitching performances Auburn fans have seen all season.
Hetzler worked four more innings, allowing just three hits and one earned run while striking out six.
His combined numbers from the two games are difficult to believe.
Seven innings pitched.
Four hits allowed.
One earned run.
Eleven strikeouts.
104 pitches.
All in a single day.
More importantly, he allowed Auburn's bullpen to remain almost completely untouched heading into the next round of regional play.
If Petrovic provided stability, Hetzler provided something even more valuable.
Flexibility.
While Auburn's pitching staff was putting together a masterclass in efficiency, Chase Fralick was supplying the power.
The Auburn slugger launched three home runs during the doubleheader and seemed unfazed by the delays, schedule changes, and late-night start times.
Fralick homered twice against UCF, helping Auburn create separation in Game 1 before adding another blast against Milwaukee later in the evening.
Every time Auburn needed a spark, Fralick delivered one.
But Sunday's story begins and ends with the pitching.
Cormier deserves his share of the spotlight as well. Taking over after Hetzler's four innings in Game 2, he delivered five strong innings of his own to finish off Milwaukee and secure the second victory of the day.
Together, Petrovic, Hetzler, and Cormier accounted for all 18 innings Auburn needed.
Three pitchers.
Eighteen innings.
Two wins.
In an era of specialized bullpens, pitch counts, and constant pitching changes, Auburn took a different path.
The Tigers trusted three arms to carry them through a day that began with weather delays and ended after midnight.
Those three arms delivered.
Now Auburn moves forward with something every postseason team wants but rarely gets: momentum and a fresh bullpen.
After a day that could have drained both physically and mentally, the Tigers somehow managed to leave the ballpark stronger than when they arrived.