Texas A&M baseball bounced back to secure an 11-9 win over Mississippi State in Game 2 to force a massive winner-takes-all series finale on Saturday afternoon.
The solid performance in Friday’s contest was led by Caden Sorrell’s outstanding performance at the plate, as he recorded six RBIs and was a single shy of hitting for the cycle. Meanwhile, Texas A&M’s pitching staff continued to struggle. The Aggies allowed 12 hits, including four home runs, and eight RBIs against Mississippi State, which ranked second in the SEC in team batting average entering the series.
According to reports before first pitch on Saturday, left-handed pitcher Ethan Darden will make his second start of the weekend for the Aggies. The rearrangement of the starting pitching rotation comes after head coach Michael Earley announced Aiden Sims is dealing with tightness, which resulted in another absence in the bullpen this weekend. After suffering an apparent ankle injury against Auburn last weekend, Ryan McPherson is starting for the Bulldogs in the series finale.
Follow along with live coverage of Texas A&M’s critical rubber match against Mississippi State below:
End of B2: Texas A&M 0, Mississippi State 0
The Aggies put a runner in scoring position, but McPherson strikes out Kellner to end the inning.
B2: Texas A&M 0, Mississippi State 0
Texas A&M draws back-to-back two-out walks against McPherson.
End of T2: Texas A&M 0, Mississippi State 0
Royo makes an incredible diving stop to prevent a lead-off single, but Darden hits Stallman on the next at-bat. The Aggies got out of the inning by turning a double play.
End of B1: Texas A&M 0, Mississippi State 0
McPherson forces a groundout to end the inning and leave Sorrell stranded at first base.
B1: Texas A&M 0, Mississippi State 0
Grahovac strikes out, but Sorrell secures a one-out single that beats the shift on the right side of the infield. Hacopian’s deep-fly to right field marks the second out of the inning.
End of T1: Texas A&M 0, Mississippi State 0
Mississippi State leaves a runner stranded on third in the first. Darden had some trouble with his control, but bounced back to force a fly-out and two groundouts to escape the threat.
T1: Texas A&M 0, Mississippi State 0
Darden’s wild pitch allows Frei to move to second base, but he forces Reese to fly out and Sullivan’s groundout makes it two outs in the inning. Frei stands on third base.
T1: Texas A&M 0, Mississippi State 0
Frei’s lead-off single back to Darden starts us off at Olsen Field.
Seniors honored at Blue Bell Park
Starting lineups
Texas A&M:
Mississippi State:
Today’s availability report
Game Schedule
Game 1 – May 14 at 6 p.m. CT
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Game 2 – May 15 at 6 p.m. CT
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Game 3 – May 16 at 11 a.m. CT
Ways To Follow The Series
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M vs. MSU: SEC baseball live updates, score, highlights
Reporting by Dylan Flippo, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
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