Auburn head baseball coach Sunny Golloway’s first year as Tiger skipper didn’t exactly go as planned. After arriving on the Plains saying it’s time for Auburn to make it back to the College World Series, the Tigers finished the 2014 season 28-28 and didn’t make the postseason or SEC Tournament.

But Golloway and the Tigers are looking to turn things around in 2015. The season opens against Binghamton this weekend at Plainsman Park.

Although all the Omaha references still surround the clubhouse and all things affiliated with the program, things are looking up.

The biggest returning player for Auburn is pitcher/first basemen Keegan Thompson, who was recently announced to the Golden Spikes Award watch list.

On the mound, Thompson led last year’s team with a 2.01 ERA. He went 4-3 in 14 appearances, changing roles as a starter to closer midway through the season. At the plate, Thompson hit .244 with 13 RBIs and 13 runs.

Auburn also returns infielders Jordan Ebert and Damek Tomscha, who led the team in batting average last year.

Ebert led the team at .353 with 72 hits and also had a team-best .984 fielding percentage. Tomscha batted .313 with team highs in home runs (five) and runs (37).

The Tigers also lost a lot from 2014.

Star outfielder Ryan Tella, who batted .306 and had a .980 field percentage, and catcher Blake Austin, who led the team with 11 doubles and 31 RBIs, are two of the most crucial replacements on the field.

Golloway will likely look to UAB transfers Ben Craft or sophomore Blake Logan to replace Austin. Logan started 14 games at catcher last season, batting .256 in 42 games played. He had a perfect fielding percentage beyond the plate.

In the outfield, Auburn has options.

Anfernee Grier, Sam Gillikin and Jackson Burgreen all return, but there’s a buzz around incoming freshman Austin Murphy.

Murphy, out of high school, was named the No. 91 overall prospect and No. 22 outfield prospect in the county by Perfect Game.

On the mound, the Tigers lose top pitchers Dillon Ortman and Michael O’Neal.

Along with Thompson, Auburn does have Rocky McCord, who maintained a 3.38 ERA last year, and Justin Camp, who worked a 4.01 ERA.

Following a dismal season, hopes are high again in the Auburn clubhouse. The Tigers have a talented team, but will need to play well to make a run at Omaha, or even the SEC Tournament.