AUBURN, Ala. (Interstat) — Two of the nation’s hottest teams will clash Tuesday when the Auburn Tigers host the Jacksonville State Gamecocks in a nonconference midweek matchup at Samford Stadium – Hitchcock Field at Plainsman Park.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. CDT under clear skies with a game-time temperature near 63 degrees.

The Gamecocks (27-6) enter on a tear, having won 12 of their last 13 games, including a three-game sweep of Middle Tennessee over the weekend. Auburn (22-9) has been nearly as formidable, winning 10 of its last 12, highlighted by taking two of three from then-Arkansas.

The spotlight will be on the starting pitchers. Jacksonville State will send right-hander Steven Cash to the mound. Cash has been dominant, allowing just one earned run over his last 22 1/3 innings across four appearances, striking out 24. He is coming off a win Saturday where he threw 6 1/3 innings, allowing one run on four hits with six strikeouts against Middle Tennessee.

Auburn will counter with left-hander Jackson Sanders. Sanders has been electric in relief, most notably striking out eight over four perfect innings in Saturday’s series-clinching win over Arkansas. In his last four outings, he has allowed one earned run over 18 2/3 innings with 26 strikeouts.

Offensively, the Gamecocks have averaged 7.2 runs per game during their recent surge. Auburn shortstop Brandon McCraine is coming off a 3-for-4, three-RBI performance against the Razorbacks and provides a key bat in the Tigers’ lineup.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Jacksonville State is projected to win 8-3. The Gamecocks hold a 5-4 edge in the all-time series, though the teams have not met since 2021.

Following Tuesday’s contest, Auburn opens a three-game SEC series at home against Kentucky on Friday. Jacksonville State travels to face Liberty for a conference series starting Friday.