Texas A&M (39-14, 18-11 SEC) will take on Lamar on the first round of the College Station Regional on Friday afternoon, looking to defeat the Cardinals for the second time this season, blasting the visitors 25-5 back in late February. Needing a victory to avoid the dreaded losers’ bracket, second-year coach Michael Earley has officially revealed his starting pitcher for Friday’s matchup.
After stating that star sophomore LHP Aiden Sims will not pitch on Friday, Earley revealed during Thursday’s press conference that junior LHP Shane Sdao will take the mound on Friday vs. Lamar, after ending the regular season with a 4-4 record, 6.75 ERA, 1.59 WHIP in 68.0 IP.
Given the return of freshman infielder Nico Partida, who will resume his starting role at third base after missing the last two SEC regular-season series, Earley is confident that his offense will be able to score enough runs, providing Sdao an early cushion to settle in. Still, the junior starter has been the program’s weak link, but Earley continues to believe that his best stuff is yet to come.
“I believe in Shane. The amount of belief I have in him is through the roof. … He hasn’t had the season he has wanted, but seasons can be made in the postseason.”
“Shane is not a guy you bet against.”
Shane Sdao’s injury history has likely played a significant role in his decline this season, but Earley is right that the postseason can provide a spark. After struggling for most of the year, Sdao should be highly confident that his coaching staff continues to believe in him.
Texas A&M will face Lamar on Friday, May 29, at 3:00 p.m. CT, which will air on the SEC Network.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M announces its SP vs. Lamar in College Station Regional
Reporting by Cameron Ohnysty, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
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