Texas A&M failed to clinch a spot in the Super Regional Round after falling to USC 14-3 on Sunday night, failing to capitalize on Saturday’s 17-2 blowout victory over Texas State. The Aggies’ pitching rotation was a problem once again, as Ethan Darden recorded just two outs, leading to coach Michael Earley turning to Gavin Lyons after Darden allowed four runs.
While Chris Hacopian’s solo home run gave the Aggies an early 1-0 lead, USC pitcher Andrew Johnson was brilliant on the mound, while his offense continued to churn out runs and provide a steady cushion that gave way to a 124-pitch night, allowing just three runs in 7.1 innings, which allowed the Trojans to strategically select their starter during Monday’s winner-take-all game.
For Texas A&M, the loss of star sophomore LHP Aiden Sims, who will miss the remainder of the year, has placed a massive hole in the pitching rotation, forcing Earley and pitching coach Jason Kelley to get creative on Monday, which could include Shane Sdao making his second start since Friday, but according to Earley, it’s “all hands on deck” regarding who will start on the mound, which remains undecided.
The good news? Reliable closer Clayton Freshcorn did not take the mound and will be available, while Gavin Lyons did not throw enough pitches to keep him sidelined. However, after Weston Moss’s career night on Saturday, he will not be available, while Ethan Darden has shown to be a major liability.
Texas A&M will face USC for a trip to the Super Regional Round to face North Carolina on Monday at 8:00 p.m. CT. The game will air on ESPN2.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M is ‘all hands on deck’ regarding starting pitcher vs. USC
Reporting by Cameron Ohnysty, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
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