No. 17 Auburn Hosts Troy in First Midweek Test of the Season

As the 2025 college baseball season heats up, the No. 17 Auburn Tigers are poised for another exciting campaign after a solid start. Auburn has long been known for its high-powered offense, solid pitching staff, and competitive play in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), one of the toughest conferences in college baseball. However, the Tigers face an early-season test as they host Troy for their first midweek matchup of the season.

While the SEC provides its fair share of grueling conference play, midweek games are a different kind of challenge altogether. These non-conference matchups are an opportunity for teams to fine-tune their rosters, experiment with pitching rotations, and gain momentum heading into the weekend series. Auburn’s game against Troy is particularly important for several reasons: it will help establish consistency for the Tigers, give their young players valuable experience, and allow the coaching staff to assess how their team handles the pressure of playing in a quick-turnaround game between weekend series.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Auburn’s team, what to expect from their midweek test against Troy, the key players to watch, and what both teams need to prove in this early-season game.

 

Auburn’s Early-Season Outlook

The Auburn Tigers enter the 2025 season with high expectations. After finishing last season strong, the team’s combination of veteran leadership and young talent has positioned them as one of the top teams in the country. The Tigers have already showcased their ability to hit for power, control the strike zone, and deliver on defense.

Offensively, Auburn is stacked with playmakers in key positions. The heart of their lineup features sluggers capable of hitting the long ball, along with talented contact hitters who can make things happen on the basepaths. Whether it’s getting on base through walks, driving in runs with timely hits, or working counts to get favorable pitches, Auburn has an offense that can compete with the best in college baseball.

However, as important as their offense has been, pitching remains one of the key areas where Auburn must prove itself. While the Tigers boast some excellent pitchers at the top of their rotation, it’s the depth of the pitching staff and how they perform in midweek games like the one against Troy that will ultimately determine their success. Midweek games provide an opportunity for younger pitchers to gain experience and for the coaching staff to assess their bullpen depth. Auburn’s ability to manage pitching workload without sacrificing performance will be crucial as the season progresses, especially when it comes to managing the pitching staff over the course of a long season that includes both conference and non-conference games.

The game against Troy, however, is not just about testing out different pitching options; it’s also about building the right mindset. Midweek games can often be a tricky mental challenge for teams that are coming off a weekend series. Coming back from a tough weekend series against a high-level SEC opponent and focusing on a midweek non-conference opponent like Troy requires mental fortitude, focus, and discipline. Auburn will need to bring their “A” game to avoid overlooking an opponent like Troy, who will be hungry for an upset.

Troy’s Strong Start and Motivation

While Auburn enters the game with a higher ranking, Troy comes into this midweek contest looking to make a name for itself. The Trojans have already shown that they are a team with the potential to compete at a high level. Coming off a strong 2024 season where they made noise in the Sun Belt Conference, Troy has continued to build on that momentum with an impressive early start in 2025.

The Trojans have a solid offense that has been putting up runs consistently early in the season. Their batting lineup features players who have the ability to hit for both power and contact, and they have shown the capability to hit pitchers hard if they’re not on their game. With several key contributors returning from last season, Troy is confident that they can give Auburn a tough challenge in this non-conference showdown.

Troy’s pitching staff, while not as deep or as dominant as some of the bigger programs in college baseball, has been solid. The Trojans rely on a mixture of solid starters and dependable relievers to keep opposing offenses at bay. What they lack in high-profile talent, they make up for with grit and a team-first mentality. They understand that when playing against a ranked team like Auburn, every pitch matters, and their approach is always one that emphasizes discipline on the mound.

Troy’s motivation in this game is clear: upsets in midweek games against higher-ranked opponents can go a long way toward boosting the team’s confidence and resume for postseason consideration. A win over a powerhouse like Auburn would not only give them a major boost in the standings but also send a message to the rest of college baseball that they are a team to be reckoned with. For Troy, the goal is to come into Auburn’s home park and show that they can hang with the elite programs in the country.

What to Expect from Auburn in This Midweek Matchup

As Auburn looks to prove their worth in the 2025 season, here are some key areas to focus on during the game against Troy:

1. Pitching Strategy and Depth: Auburn will likely employ a mix of pitchers in this midweek game. Head coach Butch Thompson will likely give his starters some rest while taking the opportunity to evaluate other pitchers in key situations. This will be a game where pitchers lower in the rotation or bullpen arms will be tested. It’s crucial for Auburn to find pitching depth, especially for the later months of the season when rotation spots might become an issue. Look for a few young pitchers or relievers to get extended time in this contest to prove they can step up when needed.
2. Offensive Execution: Auburn has one of the most potent offenses in college baseball, and this game presents an opportunity for the Tigers to continue that trend. After potentially facing tough SEC competition in previous weeks, Auburn will be looking to re-establish their offensive rhythm. Expect the Tigers to focus on getting good pitches to hit and being aggressive at the plate. The key for Auburn will be working counts, getting base runners on, and capitalizing on scoring opportunities when they arise.
3. Defensive Consistency: Auburn has a solid defense, and this will be another area where they will look to build chemistry and consistency. Troy is a team that has the ability to create pressure offensively, and Auburn will need to execute defensively to prevent runs from scoring. The Tigers will need to continue their solid play in the field, especially in the infield, where they have some outstanding defenders. Expect Auburn’s defense to come into play as the game gets deeper, particularly with runners on base.
4. Mental Focus: As mentioned earlier, midweek games can sometimes be a mental hurdle for teams coming off tough weekend series. Auburn will need to bring a high level of focus and concentration to avoid overlooking an opponent like Troy. This is a game where the Tigers need to treat it as just another opportunity to build momentum, regardless of the opponent. Avoiding mistakes, taking good at-bats, and playing solid defense will be the keys to maintaining focus.

Key Players to Watch

Auburn has several standout players who will be crucial in this game:

1. Sonny DiChiara – One of Auburn’s most consistent hitters, DiChiara is a major threat in the heart of the lineup. His ability to hit for both power and average makes him a key player to watch in this game. If he can get on base early and often, he’ll set the tone for the rest of the lineup.
2. Bryce Hubbard – As one of Auburn’s key pitchers, Hubbard will likely get an opportunity to either start or pitch in relief. His performance on the mound will be important for Auburn to ensure they get off to a strong start in this game. Hubbard’s ability to control his fastball and changeup will be crucial in keeping Troy’s offense at bay.
3. Kason Howell – A solid outfielder and leadoff hitter for the Tigers, Howell’s speed and ability to get on base will be critical for Auburn. He excels at making things happen once he reaches base, and his aggressiveness on the basepaths can put pressure on Troy’s defense.
4. Troy’s Leading Hitters – Troy’s lineup is built around a few key hitters who can do damage at the plate. Players like outfielder Rigsby Mosley and infielder Ethan White have the potential to break games open with their power and consistency. Auburn’s pitchers will need to keep these players in check to avoid a potential upset.

Looking Ahead for Both Teams

As Auburn heads into this game against Troy, the Tigers will aim to fine-tune their game, strengthen their pitching depth, and continue building offensive momentum. This midweek test is an opportunity for Auburn to take care of business while keeping a sharp focus on the bigger goals ahead.

For Troy, a win would be monumental, providing them with confidence and a significant upset over a highly-ranked opponent. Whether or not they win, the Trojans’ performance will be critical in determining their trajectory for the rest of the season.

In the end, midweek games are more than just a chance to grab a victory—they are an opportunity for growth, development, and preparation for the challenges of conference play. Auburn will be looking to continue their momentum, and Troy will be hungry to prove themselves. This promises to be an exciting and crucial test early in the season for both teams.