Auburn and Alabama will battle at Riverwalk Stadium beginning at 7 p.m. Tuesday. (Photo courtesy Auburn Unv. Athletic Dept.)

Contributed
(March 9, 2010)

Cory Luckie gets the starting nod for Auburn in Tuesday’s second annual Capital City Classic between Auburn and Alabama at Riverwalk Stadium.

Auburn won the inaugural contest, 8-7, behind a two-run ninth inning and captured three of four games from Alabama during the 2009 campaign.

"Anytime you get Auburn and Alabama together, no matter what the sport, it makes an intriguing match-up," Auburn Head Coach John Pawlowski said. "Last year the stadium was absolutely packed, it was a great ballgame and we were fortunate to come out with the win. I know our kids are excited about it and looking forward to it."

Coming off its weekend series sweep of Miami (Ohio) in which the team collected 53 hits in three games, Auburn goes into Tuesday night’s game as the top hitting team in the SEC with a .373 team batting average. Three Auburn hitters (Jr. OF Brian Fletcher - .467, Jr. IF Hunter Morris - .423 and Jr. C/OF Tony Caldwell - .415) rank in the top 12 in the league in individual hitting, the only team in the league to make that claim.

Alabama is 8-1 and brings the second-best team ERA in the conference to the table with a 2.86 mark, allowing a league-low 26 runs, and holding opponents to a .237 batting average.

"You’ve got recruiting wars going on between these two (programs). It’s an important game,: Alabama coach Mitch Gaspard said. "All our guys know we have to beat Auburn."

Alabama will throw Fr. LHP Taylor Wolfe (1-0, 4.50 ERA) while Luckie (0-0, 3.38) gets his second start of the season for Auburn. It will signify Luckie’s first appearance against an SEC opponent since April 26, 2008, which coincidentally was also against Alabama.

First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. but fans are encouraged to be in the stadium by 6:30 for all of the pregame festivities. Chair backed seats are sold out but a few lawn seats are still available. Contact the Biscuits ticket office for more information.