Jan. 31, 2006

AUBURN, Ala. - The Auburn baseball team will raise the curtain on the 2006 season when the Tigers play host to VMI for a three-game set beginning at 4 p.m. on Friday at Auburn's Plainsman Park.

The Tigers are coming off of a NCAA Regional appearance in 2005 in coach Tom Slater's first year as head coach on the Plains. The Tigers return five positional starters from last year's team, including NCAA All-Regional Team selections Josh Donaldson, Bruce Edwards and Tyler Johnstone. The pitching staff will not have as many familiar faces on it, but the team will welcome the return of Chris Dennis to the mound. Dennis, who missed last season after undergoing arm surgery, will take the hill on Friday afternoon for the first time since May 22, 2004.

The remaining two games in the series will be at 4 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday. All three games can be heard live in the Auburn-Opelika area on WMXA-FM (96.7) [Friday only] and WZMG-AM (910) [Saturday & Sunday]. All games will also be carried live over the internet at www.auburntigers.com.

Friday is the Business Person's Special where fans can receive 2-for-1 admission with a business card. The first 1,000 fans into Saturday's tilt will receive a 2006 Auburn Baseball schedule magnet while Sunday is 4-for-40 Family Day, which includes four tickets, four hot dogs, four drinks and a copy of Plainsman Park Illustrated, all for $40. All fans will also receive a 2006 team photo and players will be available for a post-game autograph session while all kids 14 and under may run the bases after the game.