What a win, and what a series for No. 10 Texas A&M (39-13, 18-11 SEC) on Saturday afternoon, as the Aggies clinched their final home series vs. Mississippi State, a 7-6 victory behind an impressive rally, scoring four runs in the final two frames after the Bulldogs took back the lead late in the game.
After using up nearly every pitching option over the first two games, second-year coach Michael Earley had to rely on Clemson transfer Ethan Darden, who started Game 1 but threw only 30-plus pitches. While this decision was questionable, Darden lasted three innings and allowed just one run, prompting Gavin Lyons to make his second appearance in the series.
However, Lyons allowed three runs, leading to Cooper Powell’s likely game-saving scoreless innings, including three strikeouts, while reliable closer Clayton Freshcorn, who earned his 12th save on Friday night, provided Aggie fans another shaky, but exciting end to one of the more important series of the season.
After allowing freshman Jacob Parker to hit a 2-run home run in the top of the 8th to take a 6-5 lead, Freshcorn locked in, especially after senior Bear Harrision’s double scored Caden Sorrell and Chris Hacopian to re-take the lead. Ending the game with two strikeouts and a pop-up, Texas A&M has secured a double-bye in the SEC Tournament and finished no lower than third in the SEC standings.
If Texas loses to Missouri in Game 3, Texas A&M will earn the No. 2 seed. If the Longhorns win, the Aggies will be the 3-seed heading into the SEC Tournament next week.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M secures double-bye in SEC Tournament after series win
Reporting by Cameron Ohnysty, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
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