Auburn Tigers Sweep Winthrop Behind Dominant Pitching

No. 6 Auburn allowed just one run total in the three-game series

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Auburn Tigers baseball team completed a three-game sweep of Winthrop, outscoring the Eagles 24-1 over the series. Auburn's pitching staff was dominant, with six pitchers combining to hold Winthrop to just one run. Jackson Sanders had a standout performance in the first game, throwing 7 shutout innings with a career-high 10 strikeouts. In the second game, Alex Petrovic, Christian Chatterton, Jett Johnston, and Ryan Hetzler combined to limit Winthrop to one run.

Why it matters

The Tigers' dominant pitching performance against Winthrop is an encouraging sign for the team as they head into SEC play. Auburn's ability to shut down opposing offenses will be crucial as they face tougher competition in the conference schedule.

The details

In the first game of the doubleheader, Jackson Sanders threw 7 shutout innings, allowing just 2 hits and 1 walk while striking out a career-high 10 batters. In the second game, Alex Petrovic started and allowed 1 run on 2 hits in 4 innings before the game was delayed by rain for over 2 hours. Christian Chatterton (2-0) earned the win, allowing 3 hits in 2.2 shutout innings. Jett Johnston and Ryan Hetzler also contributed scoreless relief innings. Offensively, Mason McCraine had a big day, going 3-for-8 with a double and 5 RBIs in the second game.

  • The three-game series against Winthrop took place on March 6-8, 2026.
  • Auburn hosts UAB on Tuesday, March 11, 2026 at 6 p.m. CT.
  • The Tigers open SEC play with a three-game series at Missouri beginning on Friday, March 14, 2026 at 6 p.m.

The players

Jackson Sanders

The Auburn starting pitcher who threw 7 shutout innings with a career-high 10 strikeouts in the first game of the doubleheader.

Alex Petrovic

The Auburn starting pitcher who allowed 1 run on 2 hits in 4 innings before the game was delayed by rain in the second game of the doubleheader.

Christian Chatterton

The Auburn relief pitcher who earned the win in the second game, throwing 2.2 shutout innings.

Mason McCraine

The Auburn player who went 3-for-8 with a double and 5 RBIs in the second game of the doubleheader.

Butch Thompson

The Auburn head coach who praised the pitching staff's performance.

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What they’re saying

“He might have the most movement of anybody on our staff and to go 10 strikeouts and (one) walk and fill it up that way, the way he commanded movement was a pretty special outing. That was something to behold.”

— Butch Thompson, Auburn Head Coach (on3.com)

“We've been talking about committing to the strike zone all year. This week's really shown that. We just poured it in there and they got themselves out or we got punches.”

— Jackson Sanders (on3.com)

“I wouldn't say it was a big day for me. I'd say it was a big day for the team. In the meeting after the game, BT talked about how tough our team was and I think that was brought to light today. After the rain delay, we all stayed focused, came together and won the game.”

— Mason McCraine (on3.com)

What’s next

Auburn hosts UAB on Tuesday, March 11, 2026 at 6 p.m. CT before opening SEC play with a three-game series at Missouri beginning on Friday, March 14, 2026 at 6 p.m.

The takeaway

Auburn's dominant pitching performance in the sweep of Winthrop is an encouraging sign for the team as they prepare to face tougher competition in SEC play. The Tigers' ability to limit opposing offenses will be crucial to their success in conference action.