'I'd die for him and it's not only me': Texas A&M discusses SEC Tournament loss to LSU

USA Today

24-05-2025

'I'd die for him and it's not only me': Texas A&M discusses SEC Tournament loss to LSU
The Texas A&M baseball program battled until the very end, but ultimately dropped the SEC Tournament quarterfinals to the LSU Tigers 4-3 at the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium in Hoover, Alabama, on Friday night.
Unfortunately for the Aggies, the season is now over following the loss, as any postseason hopes for the club were dependent upon a triumphant run ending with the SEC Tournament title. Texas A&M finished the 2025 campaign with a 30-26 record (11-19 SEC) and two victories in Hoover over Mississippi State (9-0) and Auburn (3-2).
With this being the final game suiting up in the Aggies uniform for players like MLB prospect Jace LaViolette, the emotions were on full display in the postgame press conference for the members of the program.
Here are quotes from the Texas A&M players and coaches following the club's elimination from the SEC Tournament via Baseball America National College Reporter Jacob Rudner:
Head coach Mike Earley
Rudner reported that Earley explained to the media his thoughts on the season and how the Aggies concluded this year's campaign.
"We had situations throughout the year where, whether it be injuries or self-inflicted wounds, one thing that never stopped was our care and our belief. Those guys believe in each other, and I'm really proud of them for that. This year is not how we drew it up, but they never stopped playing."
Earley also talked about LaViolette's toughness and hard-nosed mentality to play for his team with a significant left-hand injury.
"For (LaViolette) to do what he did today, I mean, that's one of the most, maybe the most incredible thing I've ever seen on a baseball field, and it just shows a lot about how much that guy cares about his team."
Junior outfielder Jace LaViolette
According to Rudner, LaViolette discussed his feelings towards the Aggies' skipper Michael Early following the 4-3 loss against LSU.
LaViolette also mentioned the brotherhood inside the program and the importance of staying together through the ups and downs baseball can throw your way, Rudner reported.
"It's hard man. You work so hard and prepare for a season like we did, and sometimes baseball's a funny game. It's hard, it's got its ups and downs, but at the end of the day, I'll be able to call these guys brothers for the rest of my life, and I'm just glad for coach Mike Earley, and I couldn't have asked to play for anyone else."
Pitcher Clayton Freshcorn
Following a five-strikeout performance and 3 1/3 scoreless innings, Freshcorn talked about his mindset as he jogged out to the mound in relief of left-hander Myles Patton.
"I just wanted to give everything I could for the guys that I knew wouldn't be putting on this uniform anymore. There's no question that I think that all of us left everything we could."
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