Irish Returns With Season On The Brink [Video]

AUBURN | After missing last weekend’s series at LSU with an ankle injury, Ike Irish is set to return for this weekend’s series against Ole Miss.

It couldn’t come at a better time with the Tigers trying to make up ground in the race for the final spot in the SEC Tournament.

Irish, who injured his ankle April 21 as he was working back from a hand injury, participated in a five-inning intrasquad scrimmage Tuesday.

“The first three at-bats, he hit two home runs and a single. Everything was hit hard. He’s a spark plug for our team,” said freshman Cale Stricklin, who has filled in for Irish at catcher.

Irish, who is batting .326 with 11 home runs and 48 RBI, is expected to be used mainly as DH this weekend.

Two other AU starters are working their way back from a hand injury. Mason Maners returned against LSU but …