MOBILE — The midweek struggles continue for Auburn.

The Tigers, which just took two of three from rival Alabama this past weekend, spotted South Alabama a six-run lead after five innings and was never able to create any offense against the South Alabama pitching staff, falling 8-1, in the final non-conference game of the season.

The loss dropped Auburn’s record to 28-25, while South Alabama improved to 28-24. The Tigers have now lost four out of their last six midweek, non-conference games.

“We were sloppy all the way around the horn,” Auburn head coach John Pawlowski said. “We just didn’t play very well. We didn’t pitch very well, especially to start the game, and then offensively we couldn’t manufacture anything. It’s very disappointing.”

Generating just four hits off of the South Alabama pitching staff, Auburn’s lone run came off the bat of Casey McElroy, who led off the sixth with his eighth home run of the season.

Jarrett Bailey (1-0) was the beneficiary of the eight South Alabama runs, holding Auburn off the scoreboard for five innings before allowing McElroy’s blast to pick up his first win of the season.

Andrew Morris (2-4) took the loss, allowing three runs in the first on three walks and two hits, including a three-run home run.

Brent Tanner finished the game 2-for-4 with a walk, a double and a home run, driving in three for South Alabama, while Nolan Earley was 4-for-5 with three RBIs.

Tony Caldwell tied the Auburn record for throwing out stealing baserunners when he caught Taylor White trying to steal second to end the fifth.

It was the 57th man he has thrown out in his career, matching former All-American Casey Dunn for the school record.

Auburn finishes up its regular season schedule in Knoxville, Tenn., facing Tennessee for a three-game SEC series beginning Thursday at 5 p.m.