Though less celebrated than Auburn's other top hitters, senior Mailon Kent has been a lifeline for the Tigers in recent weeks. Coming into Sunday's game against Florida, Kent had been batting .727 in his past five home conference games. But when Auburn coach Steve Renfroe spoke last week of Kent being the team's most valuable player, some balked at the notion.
Nobody disagrees now.
Kent was knocked from Sunday's game in the first inning by a 94-mph fastball to the head. Without Kent, Auburn's offense stalled and allowed the Gators a surprising 5-2 win at Plainsman Park. We've been feeding off of him for the past few weeks. Immediately after the hit, Kent was taken to East Alabama Regional Medical Center for a CAT scan. Doctors found no damage, though Kent will be monitored closely until this afternoon.