Former Russellville baseball stars lead Auburn to victory in season opener
The Auburn Tigers started the 2021 college baseball season with a sweep of Presbyterian College, and a couple of former Russellville High School standouts led the way to victory on opening day at Plainsman Park.
Seniors Judd Ward and Cody Greenhill stole the show Feb. 19 during a 14-3 win over the Blue Hose. Ward got the start in leftfield and batted leadoff, going 4-for-5 with a home run and a double. He had two RBIs, scored four runs and was the player of the game.
After a successful run coming out of the bullpen as the closer for AU in recent years, Greenhill went back to his roots this season, getting his first collegiate start on the mound. The right-hander was a dominant starter as a Russellville Golden Tiger on state championship winning teams, and he looked right at home firing strikes to start the game Friday.
Greenhill got the win by going five innings, allowing three hits and walking one while throwing 73 pitches. He struck out six and allowed three runs, with two of them being earned.
Auburn followed Friday’s victory with a 6-1 win the next day, outhitting PC 11-8. Ryan Bliss, Bryson Ware and Nate LaRue all homered for the Tigers. Richard Fitts got the start on the mound, and Hayden Mullins picked up the win in relief. The series wrapped up Sunday with a 2-1 Auburn win.
