AUBURN, Ala. (Interstat) — The Auburn Tigers, riding a wave of early-season momentum, staged a dramatic two-run rally in the bottom of the ninth inning to stun the West Georgia Wolves 4-3 on Wednesday evening at Samford Stadium – Hitchcock Field at Plainsman Park.

The game, which began in the afternoon and concluded under the lights, saw the Tigers overcome a late one-run deficit to secure their seventh victory in eight games this season. The Wolves, who have now lost eight of their first nine, were three outs away from a significant road upset before Auburn’s final at-bat.

West Georgia built its lead behind early power and stellar relief pitching. Designated hitter Andon Lewis provided the initial offense, launching a two-run homer to left field in the top of the third inning off Auburn starter Andreas Alvarez to give the Wolves a 2-0 advantage. The lead expanded to 3-1 in the eighth when left fielder Anthony Cole connected for a solo home run.

That slim margin was protected by a parade of effective Wolves relievers. After starter Evimael Quiles allowed an unearned run in the third, Zane Wright, Rowan Park, Davis Williams and Maverick Torres combined for 5 2/3 innings of scoreless, one-hit baseball, striking out three and walking one to keep the potent Auburn lineup at bay.

Alvarez, named the top star for Auburn, kept his team in the game despite the two early runs. He worked 5 2/3 innings, allowing two earned runs on five hits while striking out seven. Drew Whalen followed with 2 1/3 innings of relief before Ryan Hetzler pitched a perfect ninth to earn the win.

The most important part of the game unfolded in the bottom of the ninth inning with West Georgia clinging to a 3-2 lead. Facing Wolves reliever Maverick Torres, who had been perfect in his two previous innings, Auburn’s Carter B. led off with a groundout. Fralick C. then worked a walk and was replaced by pinch-runner Thompson T. A groundout moved the tying run to second base with two outs.

Facing elimination, Bingaman E. delivered a sharp single to right field, scoring Thompson T. to tie the game 3-3. Bingaman E. then advanced to second on a wild pitch. Terrell B. followed and lined a single into left field, bringing home Bingaman E. with the winning run, triggering a celebration at home plate.

The comeback victory defied the pregame projections from Interstat, whose game simulator had predicted a 7-3 Auburn win and whose ELO system gave the Tigers an 84.5% probability of victory.

Auburn outhit West Georgia 10-9 but struggled to capitalize for much of the game, stranding multiple runners. The Wolves’ bullpen dominance nearly made the difference until the final frame.

With the win, Auburn improved to 7-1 and will prepare for a weekend series at home against Nebraska beginning Friday. West Georgia, now 1-8, will look to rebound on the road at South Alabama starting Friday.