Though it won’t count on the Tigers’ most important record, Auburn coach John Pawlowski said he still expects an SEC-like atmosphere at tonight’s Max Capital City Classic in Montgomery.

“Anytime you get Auburn and Alabama together, whatever sport it is, it doesn’t matter, it’s exciting,” Pawlowski said. “It’s exciting for the fans and for the schools. The guys are excited about playing in it and we are certainly looking forward to it.”

Paul Burnside (0-0, 4.35) will take the hill for the Tigers tonight against Alabama’s David Head (0-2, 6.75). First pitch is set for 7 p.m., but fans are encouraged to be at Riverwalk Stadium — the home of the Double-A Montgomery Biscuits — by 6:30 for a multitude of pregame festivities.

“I think the stadium will be packed,” Pawlowski said. “I think it will be a tremendous college environment and we certainly are looking forward to it.“

Tonight’s game, which will not count on either team’s SEC record, pits two of the top slugging teams against each other.

Auburn ranks second in the nation with 29 home runs and Alabama ranks eighth with 21. Alabama touts the nation’s home run leader in Kent Matthes, who has nine, while Auburn counters with second-ranked Joseph Sanders, who has seven.

Another hot Tiger is Casey McElroy, who picked up the SEC’s Freshman of the Week award Monday, leading Auburn to wins in six straight games last week. McElroy delivered the game-winning RBI in Sunday’s, 10-9, extra-inning comeback win over Brown.

For the week the Orlando, Fla., native hit .435 with six extra-base hits and a team-best tying 10 RBI. His second home run of the week capped Auburn’s four-homer first in Friday night’s 11-2 win over Brown, giving him home run in back-to-back at bats after he homered in his final at bat against Davidson on Wednesday.

There are still 500 general admission tickets available for tonight’s game.

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Auburn (9-4) vs. Alabama (8-3)
Where: Riverwalk Park; Montgomery
When: 7 p.m.
TV/Radio: None/WKKR 97.7 FM
Projected starters:
Today: (Alabama) LHP David Head (0-2, 6.75)
(Auburn) RHP Paul Burnside (0-0, 4.35)