Texas A&M kicked off the College Station Regional on Friday afternoon against Lamar, looking to earn its first postseason win since the magical 2024 season, but it didn’t come easy. Trailing 5-0 going into the fifth frame, junior first baseman Gavin Grahovac started things off with a solo home run, which served as one of six Aggie hits on the day, followed by Chris Hacopian’s two-run home run that cut the lead to two.
Thanks to pitchers Gavin Lyons and elite closer Clayton Freshcorn for coming through in relief after Shane Sdao allowed all five runs, Lamar was held scoreless for the rest of the game, while freshman third baseman Nico Partida’s bases-loaded walk tied the game at 5 in the bottom of the 7th.
Taking back momentum, Texas A&M took its first and final lead of the game after Lamar’s error, resulting in Travis Chesnut’s bunt attempt scoring Ben Royo. After Chesnut scored on another throwing error, Freshcorn shut down the Cardinals in the final two frames, as the Aggies head into the winner’s bracket and will await to face the winner of Texas State vs. USC.
While Shane Sdao was announced as the starting pitcher on Thursday, coach Michael Earley stated after Friday’s win that he has yet to make a final decision on who will take the mound on Saturday, spurring more speculation surrounding star sophomore LHP Aiden Sims, who has been sidelined for the last four games with reported “tightness” without a clear update.
However, Sims could return tomorrow night, depending on who wins Friday night’s game between Texas State and USC, which will determine Earley’s final decision. Texas A&M will face Texas State on Saturday night at 8:00 p.m. CT.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M’s starting pitcher on Saturday night is still undetermined
Reporting by Cameron Ohnysty, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
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