AUBURN, Ala. (Interstat) — The Auburn Tigers erupted for seven runs in a decisive fifth inning, overcoming an early deficit to rout the Arkansas Razorbacks 10-2 in the opener of a Southeastern Conference series Thursday at Samford Stadium – Hitchcock Field at Plainsman Park.

The game, which began in the afternoon and concluded under evening lights, was dominated by Auburn starter Andreas Alvarez. The right-hander stifled a potent Arkansas lineup, striking out 10 over six strong innings while allowing just one earned run on six hits to earn the win.

Arkansas (19-12, 4-6 SEC) struck first in the fourth inning when catcher Ryder Helfrick launched a solo home run to right field. The Razorbacks, who out-hit the Tigers 10-13, managed only that early tally against Alvarez despite putting runners on base.

Auburn (21-8, 5-5) began its comeback in the bottom of the fourth. A sacrifice fly by Ethin Bingaman scored Bobby Terrell, cutting the deficit to 2-1. The floodgates opened an inning later against Arkansas starter Gabe Gaeckle and reliever Colin Gibler.

The Tigers sent 12 batters to the plate in the fifth. Cooper Fralick tied the game with an RBI double, and Eric Guevara followed with a go-ahead single to left. Bingaman delivered the biggest blow, a two-run single to left that drove in two more. The inning was extended by a costly Arkansas error in right field, which allowed two unearned runs to score on a single by Mason McCraine. An RBI single by Brody McCraine capped the seven-run outburst, turning a one-run deficit into an 8-2 Auburn lead.

The most important sequence of the game was that relentless bottom of the fifth. After scratching a run across in the fourth, the Tigers’ offense transformed from patient to potent, stringing together five hits, two walks, and capitalizing on a passed ball, a wild pitch, and a defensive miscue to break the game open and chase Gaeckle, who was charged with four earned runs in four-plus innings.

Auburn added insurance runs late. Guevara, who finished a perfect 3 for 3, crushed a solo homer to right-center in the sixth inning. Chris Rembert added an RBI double in the eighth to provide the final margin.

Helfrick was a bright spot for Arkansas, going 3 for 3 with the home run. LJ Cormier earned a three-inning save for Auburn, allowing one run on four hits while striking out five.

The victory marked a strong start to the series for Auburn, which entered having lost four of its last five games. Arkansas, which had dropped a high-scoring midweek contest to Missouri State, saw its recent struggles continue.

The teams are scheduled to continue the three-game series Friday.