Jun 16, 2019; Omaha, NE, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs third baseman Marshall Gilbert (34) celebrates with infielder Josh Hatcher (10) after driving in the winning run as Auburn Tigers shortstop Will Holland (17) looks on in the 2019 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

Auburn entered the bottom of the ninth looking in great shape to come away with a victory over Mississippi State in College World Series action Sunday night in Omaha.

The Tigers had a 4-1 lead, but the Bulldogs’ Elijah Macnamee ripped a double down the left field line to score one, and move another runner to third.

Mississippi State added one more run to make it a 4-3 game, but it appeared the Tigers would still win the game when the Bulldogs’ Dustin Skelton hit a routine groundball to Auburn third baseman Edouard Julien with two outs. But Julien took a long time to get rid of the ball — when he could’ve also just tagged McNamee — and his throw to first base was nowhere close. This allowed McNamee to come around and score the tying run.

This was followed by a walk, and an infield single on a groundball hit to Julien. And with the bases loaded, the Bulldogs’ Marcus Gilbert hit a bouncer that went off pitcher Tanner Burns’ glove and then off second baseman Ryan Bliss’ glove for a walk-off Mississippi State victory.

That would be a frustrating loss in any game, but especially to open the College World Series. And it’s a great — albeit fortunate — comeback win for Auburn.

About Matt Clapp

Matt is an editor at The Comeback. He attended Colorado State University, wishes he was Saved by the Bell's Zack Morris, and idolizes Larry David. And loves pizza and dogs because obviously.

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