Despite losing to LSU, Texas A&M's pitching future looks bright
Despite losing to LSU, Texas A&M's pitching future looks bright
Texas A&M (30-26, 12-20 SEC) couldn't muster more than three runs against the LSU Tigers on Friday night during the Quarterfinal round of the NCAA Tournament, which all but eliminates the Aggies from making the NCAA Tournament. However, stranger things have happened, so be prepared for a potential shock during Monday's Selection Show.
Still, I highly doubt the Aggies make it in based on their resume, which may include four SEC series wins, including victories over Tennessee, Arkansas, and LSU. However, the bizarre series loss to Missouri, paired with losing two out of three vs. Georgia to end the regular season, was likely the final straw for the selection committee.
Even with the loss, the incredible comeback play of junior outfielder Jace LaViolette, who broke a bone in his left hand on Thursday afternoon, was awesome to watch, as the future first-round MLB Draft selection drove in two of the Aggies' three runs on the night.
Outside of LaViolette's heroic performance, Texas A&M's pitching, which was brilliant throughout the week, deserves a lot of credit for giving the Aggies a chance. Ryan Prager and Justin Lamkin combined for 11 strikeouts and just two runs against Mississippi State and Auburn, while Myles Patton and especially sophomore Clayton Freshcorn were more than serviceable on Friday night.
Two of LSU's four runs were due to defensive mistakes by Texas A&M, so Patton shouldn't receive any blame for the loss. Freshcorn, who relieved Patton after 4.2 innings, played the best game of his A&M career, holding the Tigers hitless with five strikeouts, showing every Aggie fan frustrated with this previous play why Earley believes in his ability as a future star closer.
While Michael Earley's future with the program is in flux, whatever happens over the next couple of days or weeks will determine Freshcorn's trajectory in College Station. The 2026 pitching staff will look very different next season with Prager headed to the MLB, which could also include Lamkin after his impressive performance this season.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
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