Feb. 2, 2001

Box Score

Auburn, Ala. - The Auburn Tigers, ranked 11th in Baseball America'spreseason poll, used a three-hit, five-RBI effort from catcher Trent Pratt to defeat Western Carolina, 14-1, at Plainsman Park in what was the season opener for both teams.

Auburn broke a scoreless tie with an eight-run fourth inning. Sophomore shortstop Jonathan Schuerholz started the scoring, driving in three runs with a bases-loaded double to left field. After Mailon Kent reached on an error, Pratt homered to left to give the Tigers a 6-0 lead.

After adding two more runs in the fourth and two runs in the fifth, Auburn scored three more in the sixth on Pratt's triple. Pratt, who finished the game going 3-for-4 the plate, scored on the play after a throwing error.

WCU's tally came in the top of the fifth. Freshman Michael Roane led off with a single to right-center. He advanced to second when Todd Roper reached on an error, moved to third on Dan Woodley's infield single and scored on a double play.

Western Carolina was led by first baseman Alan Beck and left fielder Donovan Minero, each of whom had two hits.

Tiger senior pitcher Hayden Gliemmo went 5 1/3 innings in earning the win, allowing six hits and an unearned run. Catamount starting pitcher Robbie Hoover was saddled with the loss, giving up four runs and four hits in three innings. (Hoover faced four batters in the fourth.)

While both teams each had eight hits in the contest, Auburn pitchers only allowed two walks, while the Catamounts surrendered 10 free passes. Only two other Tigers had hits in addition to Pratt. Schuerholz was 2-for-5 and second baseman Brett Burnham was 3-for-5.

Auburn 14, Western Carolina 1
Feb. 2, 2001 at Auburn, Ala.
Western Carolina      000  010  000    1   8   3     (0-1)
Auburn                000  823  01x   14   8   2     (1-0)
Pitchers: WCU - Hoover, S. Foster (4), Skinner (5), Eller (7), Price (8).
          Auburn - Gliemmo, Paxton (6), Gordon (7).
Win - Gliemmo (1-0). Loss - Hoover (0-1).
Time - 3:04.  Attend. - 2,686.