Rivalry Returns to Montgomery

February 07, 2011

The Montgomery Biscuits, along with the City of Montgomery, the University of Alabama and Auburn University, have announced that the two schools will continue the tradition and play a baseball game at Riverwalk Stadium presented by MAX, Your Community Credit Union. The third annual MAX Capital City Classic will be played on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m.

In a thrilling inaugural MAX Capital City Classic on March 10, 2009, the Auburn Tigers overcame a late-game blown-lead and a one-run deficit in the ninth inning to beat the Alabama Crimson Tide 8-7 in front of a near record crowd of 7,489 at Riverwalk Stadium. Auburn right fielder Ben Jones was named the Most Valuable Player of the inaugural game after completing a stunning turnaround for the Tigers in the top of the ninth inning by driving in Trent Mummey with the game-winning run.

The Auburn Tigers took their second straight victory over the Crimson Tide during the second annual MAX Capital City Classic on March 24, 2010. The game was originally set for March 9, 2010 but was postponed due to inclement weather conditions. In front of 7,205 fans, Auburn University beat the University of Alabama in a final score of 8-6. Auburn reliever, Michael Hurst, was named Most Valuable Player after he completely silenced Alabama's bats mid-game and gave way for the Auburn win.

The games mark the first time the schools have met in a regular-season, non-conference game since they met in a seven-year series at Paterson Field from 1990-96. Auburn and Alabama met annually throughout the state during the 1980s and 1990s.

"We are very happy to bring these prestigious programs back to Montgomery," said Biscuits owner Sherrie Myers. "In addition to being a wonderful and entertaining game, the City of Montgomery is pleased to reinstate a great tradition. It's almost like Montgomery's own Iron Bowl."

The two schools met in SEC contests at Paterson Field in 1993 and 1995, with Auburn winning 11-3 in 1993 and Alabama upsetting the top-ranked Tigers 10-5 in 1995 before a then state-record 8,543 fans.

"We are very excited to renew our series with Auburn in the city of Montgomery," Alabama head coach Jim Wells said. "All the games in Montgomery have had tremendous success and the crowds have been great. Riverwalk Stadium is one of the top baseball facilities in our state and we are excited about showcasing Crimson Tide baseball to the many loyal fans throughout the state of Alabama."

"We're really excited to be a part of the Capital City Classic," said Auburn coach John Pawlowski. "It will be a great opportunity for Auburn fans in Montgomery to see the Tigers up close at a great venue."